This weekend on our camping trip out at Pigeon lake, we were reminded of the importance of being bear aware. While most people feel safe in larger well-populated campsites, it's still important to be mindful that animals can venture into these campsites with the right motivation.
At 6:30 am while quietly chatting in our tent, we were startled to hear some unusual noises coming from around our campsite. To our surprise, a black bear had found its way into our site and was sniffing around the area where our cast iron had been placed to cool down while we were around the fire the night before.
Did he come in because our campsite neighbors left everything under the sun outside? Did he come because we had cooked fished that night, and the smell from the ground where we left our cast iron to cool was still potent with its fragrance? We don't know what exactly brought the bear into our campsite, and there is only so much we can control (putting everything securely away at night), but we can be bear aware!
As a couple who has camped quite frequently in the last 2 years, we know that there is always a risk of running into a bear. Camping and hiking is a fun way to get out of the city and into nature, but there is always a risk, and everyone should be prepared.
Here are some Bear Aware Reminders When Camping And Hiking:
Camp in designated areas
Keep yourself and campsite odour-free
Store toiletries and personal items with food
Store your food, pet food, livestock feed in your vehicle, trailer or storage locker (tents are not bear-proof)
Pack out garbage
Carry bear spray with you at all times
Stop and remain calm. Do not run away.
Note: Respect closures and group access requirements—they are in place for your safety and to give bears a chance to use critical habitat undisturbed. Pay attention to warnings—follow recommendations. Be careful when traveling through these areas, or choose a different route.
We were lucky that this black bear was not aggressive, and was more curious than anything (which resulted in him being spooked and coming back 3 times). Upon getting safely to our vehicle, we notified the campsite and a Conservation Officer (CO) of the bear sighting.
Being bear aware and putting your stuff away is important not only for your safety but for the bears as well. I'm happy to say that in this case our bear was relocated to a new home. However, this could have easily been a different scenario and resulted in more harm to the bear.
The question to ask yourself is, was it because of uncontrollable circumstances ? Or are you the one to blame and at fault? Could this have been avoided? What could you have done differently, and would it have made a difference?
Have fun camping this summer, and remember to be responsible! Look after you, and look after the bears - after all, we are all sharing the same space.