Bear “Proof”
How beautiful is fall in the northwoods? The bugs are gone, there’s a crispness in the air, leaves are changing colors and dropping, and with the shortening days, we get a hint of the upcoming season of rest.
Fall is also an active time for wildlife. Bull moose are in rut looking for a mate. Geese and loons can be seen, and more often heard, overhead flying south for warmer climates. And bears are eating as much as they can in preparation for hibernation.
This year has been great for the berries and acorns that our black bears forage, and therefore the amount of conflicts between bears and humans has been lower than usual. However, there have been a number of recent incidents in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness linked to improper food storage. Not surprisingly, some of the areas most impacted are some easier to access lakes, like Caribou, Clearwater, Duncan and Rose.
The good news is that proper storage of food and other smelly things can help keep bears, and other wildlife, from associating human activity with food. Toiletries like toothpaste, sunscreen, and even lip balm can tempt curious, hungry animals. Certainly food items, dishes, and trash signal to bears that they can find an easy meal. Here are some easy to follow guidelines that protect you, your food, and the bears.
It is best to do cooking and cleaning at least 200 feet away from sleeping areas. Collapsible water buckets are great for transporting water for these tasks.
Avoid leaving unattended, unsecured food, even for a short time. This includes at the beginning and end of portages. Remember that bears are good swimmers.
Most black bears can be scared off with loud noises like shouting, clapping, or banging pots. If that fails, pepper spray is a good deterrent. We carry bear spray and smaller pepper spray canisters that can provide you with some peace of mind if you familiarize yourself with how to use them. *Note: pay attention to the wind when using sprays.
Always keep food in certified bear-resistant containers. The iconic blue barrels are not on the approved list and should be used in combination with bags that contain smells and should be kept away from camp, either with heavy, noisy pots and pans on top, or hung from a tree.
This year we started carrying products from Ursack, including the Allmitey, Ursack Major and Ursack Major XL. These bags are on the certified list of bear-resistant products because the tight weave of the durable fabric shouldn’t tear. Using them with an aluminum liner will help protect against punctures and crushing. These bags have a reflective tag for visibility in the dark and a six-foot long cord. We’ve got plenty of other cord and carabiners to assist in the hanging.
We even have a couple available to rent along with the liner. Check them out next time you visit us!
When we’re in the woods, we’re guests. Let’s be considerate. For more information, check out the Superior National Forest Bear Awareness Website.
