Many Hipcamps are located in bear country. Bears are highly food-motivated and have an excellent sense of smell, so taking a few simple precautions goes a long way toward keeping you safe—and keeping bears wild. While bears generally want to avoid people and encounters are rare, it's always good to be prepared and do the following:
- Keep a clean camp. Like many other species, bears are curious animals and follow their noses in a constant search for food. Ultimately, they want nothing to do with people and will move on, as long as we don't feed them by mistake. Don't keep food, trash or odorous items (like pet food or toiletries) inside a tent or soft-sided shelter (a yurt, for example), and don't leave them outside unattended.
- If you must leave food or items with odors (think toothpaste, chapstick, sunscreen, etc.) outside, store them so bears cannot access them, in a certified bear-resistant container, hanging from a pole or tree, or in a locked vehicle (be aware that bears can get into vehicles, however).
- If eating outdoors (you are camping, after all!), cook at least 100 feet away from where you'll be sleeping. Keep your area and equipment (dishes and grills, for example) clean, removing all food, dishes, scraps—anything with an odor—and storing it securely. And don't burn food scraps or garbage!
- If you are recreating in grizzly bear country, have bear spray accessible and know how to use it. Hike in groups, make noise, and stay alert. Keep your distance from any wildlife you might encounter, and remember to never approach a bear.
- Relax and enjoy the great outdoors! Bears want to avoid people, and encounters are very rare.
Your host may have specific rules or resources for the property as well, so be sure to review their listing details and camp rules before your arrival.