safety and Conduct

Black Bear Ursus americanus

This is one of two species of bears found in the GYE. Commonly called the black bear, it may occur in a range of colors including blonde, cinnamon, brown or black. It is widely dispersed throughout the west and while less formidable than it's cousin, the Grizzly, is still an animal to be respected. Specific conduct and safety issues related to bears are addressed below.

Remember you are a member of a Palomar class that is conducted in the field.  Your conduct can endanger your own health and safety, the health and safety of others, your instructors’ careers, and the future of the Palomar College Field Program.  In order to make this an enjoyable and safe learning experience for everyone, please adhere to the following rules of conduct.

  1.      Be on time.  If you are not at an appointed location at a departure time, you will be left behind.

2.      Obey all speed limits, warning signs and other rules and regulations of the state and federal authorities in the areas in which you will be traveling.

3.      Do not approach wild animals.

4.      Do not place yourself or others in danger with unsafe behavior, this includes alcohol intoxication.

5.      Do not wander off or hike by yourself.  Always travel with at least one partner, preferably in groups of four or more.  Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return.

6.      Stay on marked trails or paths.

7.      Think clearly about the potential consequences of your actions.  

 

Bear Facts

The Essential for Traveling in Bear Country

Bears Don't Like Surprises


If you are hiking through bear country, make your presence known - especially where the terrain or vegetation makes it hard to see. Make noise, sing, talk loudly or tie a bell to your pack. If possible, travel with a group. Groups are noisier and easier for bears to detect. Avoid thick brush. If you can't, try to walk with the wind at your back so your scent will warn bears of your presence. Contrary to popular belief, bears can see almost as well as people, but trust their noses much more than their eyes or ears. Always let bears know you are there.

Bears, like humans, use trails and roads. Don't set up camp close to a trail they might use. Detour around areas where you see or smell carcasses of fish or animals or see scavengers congregated. A bear's food may be there and if the bear is nearby, it may defend the cache aggressively.

Don't Crowd Bears

Give bears plenty of room. Some bears are more tolerant than others, but every bear has a "personal space" - the distance within which a bear feels threatened. If you stray within that zone, a bear may react aggressively. When photographing bears, use long lenses getting close for a great shot could put you inside the danger zone. Female bears can be fierce defenders of their young. Getting between a female and her cubs is a serious mistake. A female bear may respond aggressively to any threat she perceives to her cubs.

Bears Are Always Looking for Something to Eat

Bears have only six months to build up fat reserves for their long winter hibernation. Don't let them learn human food or garbage is an easy meal. It is both foolish and illegal to feed bears, either on purpose or by leaving food or garbage that attracts them.

Cook away from your tent. Store all food away from your campsite. Hang food out of reach of bears if possible. If no trees are available, store your food in airtight or specially designed bear-proof containers. Remember, pets and their food may also attract bears.

Keep a clean camp. Wash your dishes. Avoid smelly food like bacon and smoked fish. Keep food smells off your clothing. Bum garbage completely in a hot fire and pack out the remains. Food and garbage are equally attractive to a bear so treat them with equal care. Burying garbage is a waste of time. Bears have keen noses and are great diggers.

If a bear approaches while you are fishing, stop fishing. If you have a fish on the line, don't let it splash. If that's not possible, cut your line, If a bear learns it can obtain fish by approaching fishermen, it will return for more.

Identify Yourself

Let the bear know you are human. Talk to the bear in a normal voice. Wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you. If a bear cannot tell what you are, it may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening. You may try to back away slowly diagonally, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground.

Don't Run

You can't outrun a bear. They have been clocked at speeds up to 35 mph, and like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Bears often make bluff charges, sometimes to within 10 feet of their adversary, without making contact. Bear experts recommend that you stand still until the bear stops, then back away slowly. If the bear continues to advance, wave your arms and talk to the bear. If the bear gets too close, raise your voice and be more aggressive. Bang pots and pans. Use noisemakers. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal. Do not drop your pack; it may protect your body if you are attacked.

If Attacked

If a bear actually makes contact, surrender! Fall to the ground and play dead. Lie flat on your stomach, or curl up in a ball with your hands behind your neck. Typically, a bear will break off its attack once it feels the threat has been eliminated. Remain motionless for as long as possible. If you move and the bear sees or hears you, it may return and renew its attack. In rare instances, particularly with black bears, an attacking bear may perceive a person as food. If the bear continues biting you long after you assume a defensive posture, it likely is a predatory attack. Fight back vigorously.

Protection

Firearms should never be used as an alternative to common-sense approaches to bear encounters. If you are inexperienced with a firearm in emergency situations, you are more likely to be injured by a gun than a bear. It is illegal to carry a firearm in national parks, so common sense is your best defense.

Defensive aerosol sprays which contain capsicum (red pepper extract) have been used with some success for protection against bears. These sprays may be effective at a range of 6-8 yards. If discharged upwind or in a vehicle, they can disable the user. Take appropriate precautions. If you carry a spray can, keep it handy and know how to use it.

In Summary

* Avoid surprising bears at close distance.

* Look for signs of bears and make plenty of noise.

* Avoid crowding bears; respect their "personal space".

* Avoid attracting bears through improper handling of food or garbage.

* Plan ahead, stay calm, identify yourself, don't run.

In most cases, bears are not a threat, but they do deserve your respect and attention. When traveling in bear country, keep alert and enjoy the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

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