If your Hipcamp is located in an area with black bears or grizzly bears, taking a few proactive steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of bear encounters and help ensure a safe and positive experience for your campers. Thank you to our friends at The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative to putting together these best practices to help us minimize human-wildlife interactions.
Bears have an exceptional sense of smell, are highly motivated by food, and remember reliable food sources. When bears access food on a property, they can become food-conditioned--making them more likely to return and less fearful of people. Preventing conflict is far easier than managing one.
Start with attractant management. Minimizing food sources and other attractants on your property is the single most important step in bear-smart hosting. You can learn more here: How do I minimize wildlife attractants on my property? Visit bearsmart.org for additional tips.
Inform your guests. Share information with campers on how to camp and recreate safely in bear country. Set expectations clearly in your listing description, camp rules, and any pre-arrival communications.
If your property is in grizzly bear territory, consider recommending that guests bring bear spray for their outdoor activities.
Further reading: Hosting and Camping in Bear Country