Bear Bells: is the ringing of the bell, the bear's dinner signal? 

I have been hiking &/or snowshoeing every weekend for many years now and I have struggled with the question; Should I carry a bear bell, or not? I find it quite annoying to hear the continued sound of dinging as you walk along. I prefer the quiet sounds of nature. 

BEAR from The Daily Dirt...the nitty gritty outdoor news says..."Regardless, bells aren't terribly loud and could easily get lost in the sounds of wind, a river, or thick forest. It's much safer and smarter to use your own voice: Sing, shout my name, or, if you're Herrero, yodel. It's the best, most reliable way to alert me to your unfamiliar presence and ensure that I head in the opposite direction. Believe me: Yodeling sounds just as bad to my ears as it does to yours."

In Dawn Hanna's 'Easy Hikes & Walks' she quotes Tony Hamilton (BC Wildlife Branch bear biologist) in saying, "It's like ringing a dinner bell. The bears have clued in that bells mean dinner is coming."

My thoughts: Hiking or walking on the trails is your choice but you are visiting the bear's/wild animals back yard. In their yard it might be mama bear protecting her cubs. This is their home and we must respect that. Imagine if someone un-familiar came into your house, What would you do?
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Take a minute to read about North Shores bear awareness: http://vancouversnorthshore.com/what-to-do-outdoors/mountains/bear-smart-safety-tips/

Back country and Trail Precautions (by Lauren Himiak)

• Don't surprise bears. If you're hiking, make your presence known. Make noise by talking loudly or singing.
• If you can, travel with a group. Groups are noisier and easier for bears to detect.
• Keep in mind that bears tend to be more active at dawn and dusk so plan your hikes accordingly.
• Stay on marked trails and obey the regulations of the area you're hiking/camping in.
• If you're hiking in bear country, keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed.
• Leave your dog at home! Dogs will often bark at the bear making the situation worse. However, when hiking alone I feel a dog is necessary.

If You Encounter a Bear…

• Remain calm and avoid sudden movements.
• Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to continue its activities undisturbed. If it changes its behavior, you're too close so back away.
• If you see a bear but the bear doesn't see you, detour quickly and quietly.
• If a bear spots you, try to get its attention while it is still farther away. You want it to know you're human so talk in a normal voice and waive your arms.
• Remember that a standing bear is not always a sign of aggression. Many times, bears will stand to get a better view.
• Throw something onto the ground (like your camera) if the bear pursues you, as it may be distracted by this and allow you to escape.
• Never feed or throw food to a bear.

If a Bear Charges...

• Remember that many bears charge as a bluff. They may run, then veer off or stop abruptly. Stand your ground until the bear stops, then slowly back away.
• Never run from a bear! They will chase you and bears can run faster than 30 mph.
• Don't run towards or climb a tree. Black bears and some grizzlies can climb trees, and many bear will be provoked to chase you if they see you climbing.
• If you have pepper spray, be sure that you have trained with it before using it during an attack. It will blind dogs & humans...

If a Grizzly Bear Attacks...

• Play dead!
• Lie face down on the ground with your non-dominant hand around the back of your neck.
• Stay silent and try not to move.
• Keep your legs spread apart and if you can, leave your pack on to protect your back.
• Once the bear backs off, stay quiet and still for as long as you can. Bears will often watch from a distance and come back if they see movement.

If a Black Bear Attacks

• Be loud, waive your arms, and stand your ground.
• Fight back! Be aggressive and use any object you have.
• Only if you are sure the bear attacking is a mother who is protecting its cubs, play dead.
• If you have pepper spray, use it. Begin spraying when it's within 40 ft so it runs into the fog. Aim for the face.

I can't tell you for sure if you should or shouldn't carry a bear bell, I am not a professional and really it's up to you. I just want to give you some information to think about. It seems far safer to use your loud voice and follow the steps above to stay safe in bear country. Remember we are the visitors and it is their country!!! I have been on more hikes than I can count over the years and only seen a couple of bears in the wild, that is. For now, I have tucked away my bear bell.

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Cougar safety tips:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VshBT5Ua4uoBe alert and aware at all times.

• Avoid surprise encounters by making noise -- i.e. use your voice
• Hike or bike in groups of two or more and keep children close at hand.
• Keep dogs leashed.
• Look for signs of fresh cougar activity -- i.e. claw marks on trees or logs, scat or paw prints.
• Avoid food caches: cougars will cover unconsumed portions of their kill with twigs, leaf litter or soil. If you come across a cache, leave the area immediately. Be alert to circling ravens or turkey vultures.
• Riding or running fast and quietly puts you at risk for surprise encounters. Slow down going around blind corners and make noise.
• Cougar kittens are usually well-hidden. However, if you do encounter cougar kittens, do not approach or attempt to pick them up. Leave the area immediately, as a female will defend her young.
• Carry a study walking stick to be used as a weapon if necessary.

Take a moment to watch a funny utube video that has valuable information: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VshBT5Ua4uo

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