Bear Safety
Three kinds of bears live in the Northwest Territories: black, grizzly and polar. But a bear is a bear. They are curious and usually in search of food. The following tips will help you to reduce bear encounters.
For further information, read the following publication on Safety in Grizzly and Black Bear Country.
1. Avoid areas where bears are evident.
2. Look for tracks or droppings before making camp.
3. Avoid locations where vegetation or terrain limit your view and might hide a bear.
4. Bears are attracted to the scent of animal blood. When approaching dead game and when field dressing game, be on alert for bears in the area.
5. Do not leave camp alone. Watch for fresh tracks near camp.
6. Do not sleep without a tent.
7. Maintain areas for cooking, food storage and cleaning fish about 200 m (240 yds.) away from sleeping quarters.
8. Latrines should also be some distance from sleeping areas.
9. Produce few food wastes and pack food in airtight containers, such as coolers, plastic pails with lids or heavy plastic bags.
10. Elimination of odours is essential. Burn garbage and bury the ashes a distance away from camp. Store unburned garbage in airtight containers. Pack out all garbage when you leave so as not to endanger future campers.
11. Keep a clean camp. Wash utensils and eliminate greasy smells, which especially attract bears.
12. Never feed bears or other wildlife.