US Forest Service: The #GWJNF is bear country. Don't let bears become habituated to looking for food in campground trash or along trails. Store food and trash in bear proof trash cans or storage containers.
Being outdoors means being with wildlife. Many people never encounter a bear. But if you do, here's some simple advice:
- DO NOT RUN.
- Remain calm.
- Group together and pick up small children.
- Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human.
- If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises.
- Carry and know how to use bear spray, which is available at many outdoor retailers and can be used to deter a charging bear.
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