Preparing and Storing Food
Do not underestimate the ability of bears to find carelessly stored food. Improper food handling is a major cause of bear problems. If you do not want your camp to attract bears, you must take special care when preparing and storing food.
1. Restrict food to cooking and storage areas. Do not take any food into your tent, not even a stick of gum.
2. Keep a clean camp. Wash kitchen utensils after each meal.
3. Grease is especially attractive to bears. Wipe off the stove, tables, counters and barbecues. Dump greasy dishwater into a pit away from camp, and treat with lime or bleach to mask odours. Burn excess grease in a hot fire, reuse it right away, or store it in an airtight container.
4. Produce few food wastes. If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers, then use them as soon as possible.
5. Eliminate or reduce food odours. The smell of some food, such as bacon or fish, may attract bears. Freeze-dried foods are relatively odorless.
6. Wear a hat or kerchief while cooking so your hair does not accumulate odours. Do not sleep in clothes worn while cooking. Store them with your food, away from your tent.
7. Tent campers can store food in an airtight cooler, a plastic bearproof container, a plastic-lined duffel bag, or a heavy plastic bag at least 100 metres away from camp, suspended at least four metres off the ground (if possible).
8. Other attractants such as dish detergent, toothpaste, etc. should be stored in the same manner as food.
9. In camps with more permanent facilities, store food inside locking steel trunks or in sealed metal drums. If the camp has a refrigerator or freezer, fit them with locks and secure them at night.
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