Two small COW BELLS tangling from your pack work much better than the "tinkerbell" bear bells that are commonly sold by backpacking stores. Also, two hikers can use their four cow bells to make a perimeter alarm around their tent to alert them to the presence of a bear at night. Simply surround the tent with a piece of parachute cord with the bells attached to the line. When a bear bumps the cord the bells will awaken you before you are being dragged off by the bear while still in your tent. This will give you some time to either deploy your bear spray or firearm, or to escape out the tent's back door.
@fotoreportaze57975 ай бұрын
But what if the bear thinks cow bells signal prey/food. There have been bears coming to attack sheep, cows, rams... on farms and open pasture areas where animals often wear bells. In that case, it would bring an unnecessary attention. But I do like the idea of bells attached to a cord to awaken people in a tent in case of bear coming near.
@ghostkavi9 жыл бұрын
My main hiking spots have LOTS of bears both griz and black. For years we have been taking photos of them on our trips. This is probably the best bear info vid i have seen so far. The only thing i would add is that many times bears will stand up on two legs and start rocking back and forth. Most people think this is agressive behavior but it is just what they do when trying to smell the air. Mothers with cubs will do this to locate their young. Great vids guys! Thanks for all the great info you guys put out.
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Ghost Kavi Thanks for the great comment! That's a really good point about bears standing on their back legs to sniff the air. Thanks for sharing.
@recoveringsoul7555 жыл бұрын
@@CleverHiker I watch a channel located in Colorado. In July of 2019 they spotted what looks like a Grizzly with 2 cubs. Took photos with a drone, Mama bear stood up, probably because of the drone. Could you check the channel to see if you can identify if they are, in fact, Grizzly bears? I've seen a black bear and her cub, the cub was black but the mom was cinnamon colored. The channel is Oppenheimer Ranch Project.
@MARLEYFANcbr9 жыл бұрын
You forgot to tell me at which point do I crap my pants!
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Rob Marley Hahaha, good point! I'd say that for most of us that would happen sometime in-between a bluff charge and playing dead. That's probably when I would do it :)
@ka9vmp7 жыл бұрын
I would think your crap would decide that on its own.
@jeffreyvasquez65195 жыл бұрын
Too funny. 🤣😳
@ronwells88065 жыл бұрын
Lol lol
@joeguzman35587 жыл бұрын
if playing dead doesn't help after 20 minutes then fight back hahaha
@alaamaoula24045 жыл бұрын
lol
@stevendeatley48785 жыл бұрын
my nephew got mugged by a Black Bear here in the mountains of VA. while he was trout fishing.he said the bear blocked the end of a foot bridge he was walking across and would not move until he threw one of his trout in the creek he told me the Bear jumped in the creek to get the fish and then he ran across the bridge.lol
@recoveringsoul7555 жыл бұрын
@@stevendeatley4878 So now the bear associates people with a source of food. Great.....NOT
@majcherj14 жыл бұрын
Catherine Hazur 🤣🤣🤣 Grizzlies are in the mafia, but not black bears.
@rameylewis77307 жыл бұрын
Nice video. It seems like the last 2 years(2016-2017) we have had a serious increase in the number of bear attacks and human fatalities from bear attacks. I live in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness area and I've never seen the bears act so aggressively towards humans. I visit my daughter weekly at WSU Pullman where they have Grizzlies in an area under study. Those bears seem to be more aggressive this year too. I used to camp near my property in just a tent. Now I use a portable electric fence with motion activated lighting when I camp. I sleep better at night knowing that I can respond more quickly to a bear attack if it happens. I have had numerous bear encounters over the last 50 years living here and I never used to carry bear spray or a bear vault. Now I carry bear spray, shotgun, handgun, and a bear vault for my food. That may sound like overkill , but since my neighbor to the East died this year from a Grizzly attack and my neighbor two doors down to the West was severely mauled by a bear, I'm not taking chances. I love the outdoors and I will not stop going on my back packing trips for fear of an attack.
@hemidart75 жыл бұрын
Ray Miller the increase is because grizzly bears hunting has been banned in my country so numbers are growing
@yvonneost125 жыл бұрын
Well your either keen , nuts or next on the menu ~ good luck.
@recoveringsoul7555 жыл бұрын
There is a decrease in salmon because of Fukushima. They might be more hungry than usual. See Kevin Blanch channel. Also, since I don't see comments from this video poster (It's an older video I get it) can I ask you a question? In July of 2019 someone I watch in Colorado has spotted a mother bear with 2 cubs. They are all the color of Grizzlys. Could you look at the video and see if you could tell if it is a Grizzley, if all three are black bears, or is it some kind of Hybrid? The channel is Oppenheimer Ranch Project. The photos were taken with a drone, and the mother stood on her hind feet. Yesterday they posted a follow up video, found some scat and footprints. Keep in mind they still had snow in June of this year, so it was a long winter. Could the hump on a Grizzly shrink if they were very hungry? Feeding two cubs would take a lot too. If they are Grizzlys, then these bears are in Colorado. I saw a black bear on a hiking trail right in front of me. She was that color, but her little cub was black. I just stayed put, and took photos. But that was CA 10 years ago.
@recoveringsoul7555 жыл бұрын
@@hemidart7 What is your country?
@hemidart75 жыл бұрын
@@recoveringsoul755 you cant figure that out ? your not on the up n up are you... Canada
@LA_Viking6 жыл бұрын
I’ve been hiking and pursuing outdoor activities for almost 50 years. I’ve viewed all of the so called hiking channels and have reached the conclusion that your channel is pretty much the only one worth watching. Very educational, not pedantic or pontificating...just solid information clearly presented. I wish I had your channel when I was first starting out.
@suzannehedderly13313 жыл бұрын
While I agree with everything said here, I think the "bears will usually run away" breeds a sense of false security. I had a terrible experience--my first--and learned 1) do not assume if you see a bear, it will be in front of you. 2) Do not assume a bear will be walking. Bears can run incredibly fast. Like, REALLLLLY fast. 4) Do not assume a bear will fear you and turn away. 5) Always carry bear spray in a location with bears. Bears are beautiful but don't assume an encounter will be a cool little experience. I was so lucky. (An AT hiker in Sept. '20 was not so lucky. 😢 ) Pay attention ALL around you. Listen to sounds. *Be prepared for the worst* and then sing with joy if the experience was a good one. Hike on! #RespectTheBear
@rubbersole798 жыл бұрын
The Park Service in my state advises to carry pepper spray and attach little bells to your hiking gear to warn bears you are in the area. Also they say it's important to distinguish what type of bears are in your area by their scat. Black bear scat will have berries or be the color of berries and possibly little pieces of squirrel fur in it. Grizzly scat will have broken bells in it and smell like pepper.
@MrJx40008 жыл бұрын
Ha, ha, ha... "broken bells" and "smell like pepper" good one.
@PantheraOnca608 жыл бұрын
When I was in Alaska in 2001, I picked up a guide to hiking in the Chugach Mountains, which are in the state park of the same name. (Both are actually within the city limits of Anchorage, which is literally the size of the state of Delaware.) Anyway, a guy I knew who lived there told me the bear bell was known to grizzlies as a "dinner bell," and that if I used the pepper spray I had bought it would be most effective if I just sprayed it over myself as the bear was charging, thus giving it a Mexican dinner.
@CleverHiker7 жыл бұрын
Lol! Good advice.
@eligrimm16897 жыл бұрын
Dave Collins Yesterday I was in the forest looking at the ground and I looked up when I heard the black bear snort, I turned around slowly and tried to act calm. I walked with my back facing the bear and tried to act calm, Is ignoring it and showing it ur back a bad decision???
@GoorooGaming7 жыл бұрын
From what I understand, you don't want to turn away from any predatory animal. Back away slowly seems to be the advice of all the sources I have looked at so far.
@thomaswagner1761 Жыл бұрын
If playing dead fails, fight back with everything you have. Excellent advice. Emphasis on have. Have claws and fangs? Nope. Have overwhelming strength? Nope. Speed? Nope. If you have nothing with which you can fight back you won't be playing dead for long. Excellent video by the way, that you for making and posting it!
@CleverHiker4 ай бұрын
Haha! Very true. Thanks for the kind feedback and happy hiking!
@matthewporter37089 жыл бұрын
Very informative! I just moved to Alaska two weeks ago. I went out alone on my first hike both hoping and not hoping to see a bear. I ended up running into a sow and two cubs as I came around a corner on a switchback. They were somewhere between 15-20 yards away and I couldn't believe what I was looking at. The bears simply turned towards me and watched me the way a curious dog would. Luckily I had armed spray in my hand within two or three seconds and was able to get away without any incident. Definitely a bit scary, but what an introduction to Alaska! Thanks for the video-I've been doing some more research on how to handle things the last few days, haha!
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Matthew Porter Great story Matthew! Thanks for sharing.
@PavleBalenovic5 жыл бұрын
Not so long ago in the mountains I used to visit for years a bear came close to check me, I was filming and used my "magic word" as a sign ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKmwZn6Eosmgj80
@yvonneost125 жыл бұрын
Here's a idea - go to the Mall instead LOL
@danthedewman15 жыл бұрын
bear spray...lol
@mybluebelly4 жыл бұрын
I can`t believe you put yourself in that situation. Things could have gone a lot worse.
@grizzlycountry10309 жыл бұрын
Grizzly bears, brown bears and kodiak bears are widely viewed as separate subspecies of bears being found in different regions as well as being different in size. Black bears as you pointed out have many colors and are more distinguished by the ears, face and lack of shoulder hump. I recommend that people learn the behavior of bears as well as how to alert a bear in the area of their presence as they walk/hike. I posted more information below in response to one persons question about a 9mm pistol for bear defense. Another point that needs to be brought up before I forget is don't use perfumes/colognes, lotions, sunblock or any other hygiene product as a bear may like the smell as well as the product covering up your human scent...you want the bear to pick up the human scent. Oh another important tip is keep your food as well as cooking fire about 100 yards from camp and the clothes you cook in should be kept in the container with your food...if you bring them back to camp those cooking odors will attract bears to your camp. Finally one last tip is do not sleep in your sleeping bag with it zippered around you as you want to get out of it easily/quickly if a bear gets into your camp as well as have a knife in your tent in case you need to get out of your tent any other way but the door you can cut through the wall.
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
+Grizzly Country Good tips and info. Much appreciated.
@ladygrace27415 жыл бұрын
So if you just happen to be asian, this means don't go out in the woods unless you want to be bear bait,..........Unless, you are able resist heading out to the woods without marinating in that nasty cheap perfume you oh so love to wear.
@sleeper.simulant73275 жыл бұрын
Grizzly Country while I wouldn’t recommend a 9mm, one loaded with hardcast or FMJ flat nose slugs is certainly better then nothing, and would penetrate far more reliably then a sub sonic 45 ACP +p hardcast slug. Plus less recoil means more shots off and more accurate on target. That being said if you’re carrying a semi auto, a Glock 40 in 10mm is your best bet. 6” barrel means higher velocity and energy. And I can tell you from personal experience and Glock 40’s long barrel really minimizes recoil, it kicks less then my M&P 40
@survivortechharold65754 жыл бұрын
Grizzly, brown and kodiak are all the same bear and they vary in color from blonde to dark. The ones that live where they can gorge on salmon are much larger.
@rubbersole798 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I'd still rather get hit by lightning.
@CleverHiker7 жыл бұрын
Lol, me too.
@Passion41416 жыл бұрын
rubbersole79 😂
@theprophetez13574 жыл бұрын
That's really funny 😀😁😄😂. Here is something else that is funny. To avoid future bear attacks go golfing during thunderstorms. LOL.
@jasonb.46128 жыл бұрын
and remember kids always hike with a friend that is slower than you. lol. good video
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
+Junior Jones Lol! Good call. Thanks for the comment!
@GoorooGaming7 жыл бұрын
LOL!
@kovala8 жыл бұрын
As someone who has a completely irrational fear of bears, I thank you for this video, haha. Stumbled across your channel recently and subscribed. Just want to extend my thanks for all the work you've put into these excellent videos. They're organized, well-explained, and professional. Most importantly, they've rekindled a love for hiking in me that has laid dormant for far too long.
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
+shuddy Such a great comment! Thank you so much. I'm really happy to hear you're finding my videos useful. And more importantly, you're getting back out into the woods! Awesome. Thanks!
@gkranch9904 жыл бұрын
All very good advice and this is from someone who routinely hikes grizzly country. One additional thing I'd offer: slow down. I see too many hikers who think they're racing. When in likely bear habitat take it slow and stop frequently to look, listen and smell. Hiking with two or more is also a good idea and be sure to have bear spray from different manufacturers. Be safe out there!
@wasidanatsali63743 жыл бұрын
A lot of people don’t like to hike with me because I’m a slow, deliberate hiker. I go slow and stop a lot to observe. In the Fall in the Smokies, if you stop and listen, you can hear bears chomping on nuts. I’m a whitetail hunter at heart and that’s just how I move through the woods. People miss a lot of cool stuff because they’re racing to get from Point A to Point B. When I’m dragging a deer out if I hear hikers coming I get off the trail because some hikers don’t like seeing dead deer. I’ve had hikers walk right past me less than ten feet away without realizing I was there. It’s amazing how focused some people get on straight ahead.
@johnadams54896 жыл бұрын
Dave- that annoying large ad for Blocking Ads and activates the ad when I click on BLOCK AD. It doesn't disappear right away. If I were you, I would contact the company and complain. Excellent educational video Dave. Great, accurate information!
@curtislong19875 жыл бұрын
I might carry bear spray, but I'm not laying face down on the ground and wait for him to decide how delicious I smell. I am carrying high power backup as well. No way I'm going to be in bear country without a lethal answer to an attack. You want to play what's for dinner with a bear, go for it!...if he attacks fight with all you've got?...WTF?
@lt79845 жыл бұрын
A 13km hike into Algonquin last year left me with PTSD. I won’t even go for a hike in our small conservation areas anymore after 2 sightings close to home. I admit, I’m petrified of bears since... No thank you!
@UncleStace8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for adding this no informative, no-nonsense video - this is truly valuable work and greatly contributes to protecting our natural areas and keeping bears populations healthy so we can all enjoy the outdoors for many generations to come. There is a lot of anxiety not to mention confusion about camping in the wild, movies like the Reverend and the Edge aren't much help either, in fact, they couldn't be further from the reality of actual wildlife encounters. Looking forward to viewing your other informative videos :).
@CleverHiker7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Stace! I appreciate the support.
@taosan10175 жыл бұрын
Mr. Kane, not only is that funny, but 100% right. I lived in Alaska for years.
@markfosseth80473 жыл бұрын
Fight back ? Good tactic if you want the bear have a loud laugh 😂
@matthwy16 жыл бұрын
One correction to your video. Bear spray is not "a strong version of pepper spray". It's actually mandated by the EPA to be much weaker than human pepper spray in order to not long-term debilitate the bear. I think that's actually hurting the bears in the long run. If bear spray were stronger then fewer people might rely on firearms as the first line of defense.
@reverendsaltine68524 жыл бұрын
matthwy1 NOW I'M SURE BEAR SPRAY is not the answer. A .454 might be,
@delanos533 жыл бұрын
Two backpackers on a trail in bear county turned a blind corner in the trail and surprised a bear. One starts stripping off his gear so he can run. Other guy says you can't out run a bear. He responded I don't have to I just have to outrun you. Lol
@DarkWoodsPresents4 жыл бұрын
Bears normally don't attack. Sit down, be calm. Don't carry food animals can smell. Don't sneak through the woods, make noise, play music. Don't approach, get close to bears. Don't make eye contact. Watch for tracks. Do not follow tracks. Tracks lead to animals. Tracks make trails, trails lead to places where animals go. Stay away from places where there are tracks and trails. This is especially true for Pig Tracks and Mountain Lion Tracks. Stay on human paths as animals avoid these areas. Always be aware of your surroundings and listen for animal calls. Territorial animals will warn you to stay out of their territory. Even Deer can be dangerous. Listen for calls, watch for tracks and stay away from worn animal paths, rubs and signs that animals congregate. When frightened or excited animals will attack . Stay calm, stay smart, avoid trouble. Animals are always more afraid of you than you are of them. Avoid them and give them a way out. I've had my lunch ate by a frightened Elk and thrown by a protective Buck.
@alexanderweaver48386 жыл бұрын
Damn, I just watched a weather channel program called "I Was Prey" and a park surveyor/trail planner was attacked by a grizzly mama bear who was with her cubs. He tried to slowly back away but she attacked him twice. That makes me think twice about hiking in Yellowstone. I hike alone 99% of the time and I have encountered black bears in Southern California and here in Virginia. As you pointed out, Dave, most times they turn and run from you. My greatest fear are mountain lions and I nearly "bought the farm" in Arizona as I was taking care of nature's call. My two buddies ran to my calls for help and saved my life.
@serpantseed089 жыл бұрын
I'd fight till the end like a spartan :))))
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
serpantseed08 That's the spirit! :)
@yvonneost125 жыл бұрын
well there all dead so good luck with that.
@phxcppdvlazi4 жыл бұрын
ok keyboard warrior *claps*
@dr._klaw38147 жыл бұрын
I live about 40-45 miles from Canada in North Idaho I have encountered a few black bears in my time in the woods main thing is to have something on your pack that can make noise as you walk around.. I use a couple metal water canisters usually that will bang around as I walk. most attacks are from a startled bear. the wind didn't give them your scent and or you were too quite and sometimes the howling winds make it so they cant hear you walking around. all and all I've only had one bear act somewhat aggressive it was about 5Am and I was hiking around without making much noise. next thing I hear was a bear "barking" and huffing about 20-30 feet away in the thick forest. I just vocally let it know I was there and kept walking nothing happened I gave it it's space.
@davidclark2914 жыл бұрын
Here is my take. Camping and hunting over 30 years, I’ve come to the conclusion that bear population is too high, and must be thinned out. Bears should be hunted annually so populations will be maintained.
@josephgonzalez43802 жыл бұрын
It’s true. As the sovereign species of planet Earth, the vast majority of us, either voluntarily or involuntarily, dictate the terms and conditions of every creature below us.
@markanderson38702 жыл бұрын
From the title I was expecting encounters with bears wearing backpacks. That's be some encounter.
@CorginShep8 жыл бұрын
"make noise so the bear will know you're coming" Alright so have everyone sing Don't Stop Me Now then!
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
+jerry lui Lol, sounds like a good plan.
@kennethterrell74095 жыл бұрын
Hey, CH. I grew up in Virginia and this is one of the most sensible and common sense videos that I have seen. I happen to love wild black bears and I know the communication signals that tell me what is going on with the black bear. Had a bluff charge once, and, yes it was pretty scary. But the very worst possibility is that someone is going to go into back country and destroy one of these magnificent creatures.
@ChaoticDestiny15 жыл бұрын
12 times more likely to die from a bee sting than a bear attack. Well there are 100s of millions of bees and under a million bears in the US. So yeah... of course.
@juliusgonzo75278 жыл бұрын
Don't throw statistics from different scenarios and apply them to the bear danger in the woods scenario...that's factually wrong, and conceptually misleading.....bee sting, lightening, dog bite scenarios take into account everyday encounters in everyday life....not just "hiking through the woods....
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
+Julius Gonzo That's a good point. True true. Though I do think that the stats are designed to be more of an eye opener than anything else. The reality is that bears are MUCH less dangerous statistically than most people believe them to be. Your point is well taken though.
@Audfile6 жыл бұрын
Julius Gonzo yeah I mean do the stats take into account how often we are around bees.. and lightning, or bears? Most of us never ever really go into areas where there are bears for any length of time but you can open a window and see a bee. So, not useful and makes false sense of safety.
@eatmorepizzas6 жыл бұрын
That was the only part I disagreed with too. Also I assume the bee sting deaths are due to allergy which I'm much less likely to die from than bears or dogs because I'm not allergic so the stats could be worded better. I'm not too bothered though
@mtnmotoadv6 жыл бұрын
It's just making a point. How many people do you know that've been killed by a dog or lightning? A lot of people live, work and play in bear country, so to think people aren't in bear territory on a regular basis is wrong. Hell I live in town on the side of a mountain and have seen bears walking down the hillside only hundreds of feet from my house. The point to bring home is that bears aren't out to kill you and practically only attack in self defense.
@pbr24245 жыл бұрын
You may never really need a seat belt statically. If you change the statistics to just include persons who a lot in bear country like Alaska I would say that ups the odds. You can lay on your stomach and play dead with a grizzly if you want but I would carry a gun and know how and when to use one. I wouldn't try to minimise the threats from a bear because it not for you to say and that is your opinion on somebody else's life who could be attacked and just stand there. That is pretty stupid advise. I hike and tent a lot with active bears that enter tents and that's why I carry a gun and know how to use it. But that's my opinion but the odds of a bear harming me or my family are zero.
@TomsBackwoods9 жыл бұрын
Great Job Dave! Awesome presentation and tutorial!
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
TomsBackwoods Thanks Tom!
@snowyowl70424 жыл бұрын
Dave is a cutie! I dont have to outrun the bear, i just have to outrun you. 🤣 Remember use bear spray vs handgun
@PrestonsProjects Жыл бұрын
A lot of good info. Thanks!!
@CleverHiker4 ай бұрын
You’re very welcome! Thanks so much for the kind feedback.
@a.lavernefilan18884 жыл бұрын
Hiker said to 🐻 bear, "BEAR, SCAT"!!! Bear said to hiker, "Next time I 💩 poop 💩 you will be 🐻 BEAR 💩 SCAT 💩!!!"
@arezhussen46169 жыл бұрын
Great video. I have watched all of playlist and really informatively enjoying. Great presentation and loved the voice quality. Many thanks, Arez
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
+arez hussen Thanks! Much appreciated.
@smgilliam9 жыл бұрын
As always, a very informative, balanced and well produced video. I was glad to see the Ursack shot as I'm a big fan. Last summer it successfully deterred a black bear who was successfully raiding camps in the area gathering food that was simply hung PCT style. The Ursack with aluminum insert kept the bear from getting any of my food and nothing was crushed. The bag still has the paw prints on it which was a nice trip souvenir.
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and sharing your story Steve! Good to hear feedback like that about products like the Ursack. I too am a fan.
@hikewithmike46735 жыл бұрын
Thick Brush is my main concern...I hike amongst heavy saw palmetto palms and cabbage palms..can't see much in front of you or on your sides when hiking in the swamps!
@siggyjanzen4224 жыл бұрын
Great video! I encounter black bears here in the PNW on a regular basis and subrised myself to have always done the right thing. Stay calm, make noise and back away.
@ProductDesigning6 жыл бұрын
Can you please stop using the number of people killed as a measuring stick as to how dangerous black bears are? One has nothing to do with the other. There are hundreds if not thousands of incidents every year of bears stalking, breaking into homes, attacking, chasing, mauling, disfiguring and causing people to become disabled which never get mentioned. I myself in a 3 year span have been stalked, been the subject of a potential predatory attack, have had a bear try to attack me while I was at my front door and wound up being fought off by my courageous Great Dane. Please stop talking about low numbers of bear killings of humans correlating to them not being dangerous. End of my rant.
@ladygrace27415 жыл бұрын
Bears are very dangerous, always prepare to encounter one in the woods. Have your personal protective equipment ready to go.
@dmn37735 жыл бұрын
Yes bears are dangerous, yes there are incidents that are not mentioned, but the odds of and attack are still extremely low! Get over it... Having a bad encounter (such as you have) will make you nervous, I get it. However, following a few simple rules is only going to help to mitigate and reduce the potential of an attack. Of course, if you just want to live your life in fear of the unknown that's okay too.
@MyVantasticLifeVoyage5 жыл бұрын
All that being said, you still do not fall into the statistics of a bear attack. Your incidents as described by you are considered encounters, not attacks.
@jamesschaffhausen44665 жыл бұрын
I know Right. Every you tube shows aggressive bears and hikers with no protection. Stay home and watch the outdoors safely 🙋♂️👍🐻🚫📺🏞🏕🏕
@gavb98165 жыл бұрын
to avoid any doubt. carry a fire arm. simple
@NickSerritella5 жыл бұрын
Black bear mother protecting her Cubs is a myth. They train the cub to run up a tree and the mother runs trying to draw the danger away from the cub. I've come upon mother and Cubs several times
@wasidanatsali63743 жыл бұрын
Lone, predatory bears account for most fatal black bear attacks on humans in North America. 70% of the fatalities involved a single person. Only 9% of attacks occurred with more than 2 people present.
@AndyOnTheMountain9 жыл бұрын
Thanks for these great tips Dave! I'm moving to Colorado in a few weeks so this is great information I didn't know. It would be cool to see some more backpacking/camping videos. Thanks again. -Andy
@MichaelTV447 жыл бұрын
Only time I have seen a bear was when I was on a trail run in Pasadena. I just think it's weird how I've never seen bear in the Sierras but I see one in LA.
@CleverHiker7 жыл бұрын
Lol. Yeah, wild bears are pretty good at sensing people and avoiding them.
@NELLFSU289 жыл бұрын
great video learned a lot going on my first ever backpacking trip soon.
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Warnell Cobbs Have a fantastic time on your first trip! I'd be interested to hear your takeaways. And thanks for the comment!
@PortMom15 жыл бұрын
great video!!! Tons of black bears in my area and I've had lots of pleasant "encounters'. Like you say, they usually turn tail and run. Until I had one follow me for almost 2.5 km. Been more aware, use my bear bells, and since the bells no more close encounters. Great info and keep the videos coming!
@1stsampan5 жыл бұрын
Ministry of Natural Resources in Canada recommend to sew little silver bells to your jackets. So you won't surprise bear and be attacked. Also avoid areas where you see bear shit with little silver bells in it.
@Ahmad-pn1ww8 жыл бұрын
are you sure that was bear spray? more like an extinguisher lol
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
Yup, that was an actual can of bear spray.
@meghanm96208 жыл бұрын
there's a bear in my yard right now and im terrified to even look out my window
@gamesbok8 жыл бұрын
You're going to have to go out there and wrassle him.
@meghanm96208 жыл бұрын
+gamesbok oh no not that 😂 anything but that.
@MrJx40008 жыл бұрын
It's lonely, wants some company, LoL. All kidding aside, don't do anything to habituate him or her. There's a saying, "a fed bear is a dead bear." All it takes is a one-time event.
@MrJx40008 жыл бұрын
Maybe Rhonda Rousey could punch him out like this guy just did up here in Sudbury Canada (Sudbury man punches black bear in face): www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/sudbury-man-punches-black-bear-1.3663954
@kingkong54836 жыл бұрын
What about when you cook and eat!...isn’t the risk increased then?
@icannotpretend58344 жыл бұрын
When i read the title i thought we'd see a bear with a backpack on his back.
@ryancook14082 жыл бұрын
I love Emancipator! Scared of bears though.
@ColoradoCamper8 жыл бұрын
This is such a great video, Dave. Very practical, scientifically-verified advice. It is so refreshing to watch a bear video that doesn't even mention firearms. I know a lot of people go that route, but as you have said in other comments, spray has a better deterrence record than firearms. I guess it's their weight to carry and not mine. This video nails it: your best option is prevention in the first place. I don't really understand the fixation on bears or other predatory animals as a serious threat for backpackers. The animals out on the trail that I fear most are ticks, bull moose, and in rare circumstances, the two-legged variety. Cheers!
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
+ColoradoCamper Thanks for the great comment! I'm really glad you liked the tone of my video. You got my point exactly.
@ColoradoCamper8 жыл бұрын
+Dave Collins (CleverHiker) I've made my way through just about all of your videos. Hat's off Dave, you have done such a great job with your channel. I was considering doing a series of "Backpacking 101" videos before I found your channel. Your videos blow away anything I could produce, in terms of content and production value. So now I can just refer people to your great videos. Thanks for all the hard work you put into your videos! If you're ever in Colorado and need a good local recommendation on where to go backpacking, let me know. Cheers.
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
+ColoradoCamper Thank you so much! I put a ton of effort into these videos trying to create the best backpacking tutorial videos out there, so I'm really happy you feel that way. That was my goal when I set out, so comments like yours really make my day. Thanks! And I'll definitely take you up on your Colorado recommendations. Man, what a beautiful state. Thanks again!
@sb3985Ай бұрын
what i dont understand is that some websites say that a gun should not be used to defend oneself from an attack yet when the attack is over, park rangers or police don't hesitate to use their guns to take it down. Am i missing something? why is it ok for most of us to be food for the bears?
@fredachildiev5 жыл бұрын
Great video. Thank you very much for your very informative tips. Especially encouraging was your victim statistics. I will definitely follow most of your advises, except for one. Instead of carrying a Bear spray, I've been carrying AK-47 pistol already, with 30 round magazine, while hiking. Instead of pepper, it's spraying 7.62 x 39mm caliber bullets. Hope, I'll never use it. And I can't play dead either...
@MrJx40008 жыл бұрын
Good tip near the end about eating before you camp so as not to create a food scent where you're going to be sleeping, but that means unpacking stuff and then packing it up again, right?
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
Thanks 4k, yeah, I usually only do that when I'm in grizzly territory because, as you suggested, it's a little more annoying. Sometimes it's really nice though. You can stop at a pretty viewpoint to cook dinner without having to worry about water for the night, then you can camp in a more protected area with no food smell from dinner.
@robmilne673 жыл бұрын
Dave, I love all your videos. Very informative thank you. 🙏
@JoshEbersole9 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tips! I'm going on my first backpacking trip in august to Wyoming.
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Protoplayer9217 You're very welcome. Have a fantastic trip!
@bilitisbrigade5 жыл бұрын
Love this! I'm camping in Canada in a couple of weeks in a known bear location and this is exactly the information I was looking for. Thanks!!
@leathersandals5 жыл бұрын
Did you survive your trip?
@bilitisbrigade5 жыл бұрын
@@leathersandals Yes, just! An adolescent bear visited our tent 3 days out of the 4. He was good vibes :)
@ManjinderSingh0033 жыл бұрын
@@bilitisbrigade lol was it Georgian bay?
@bilitisbrigade3 жыл бұрын
@@ManjinderSingh003 No, it was Parque Forillon and a bear came to our camp every day!
@hgva766 жыл бұрын
Awesome video, thanks a thousand. This video just chilled me out. I am much calmer now toward bears. What about snow lions, any info on them? Keep up the great work!
@j9rvn6 жыл бұрын
Bears? You should try hiking in Scotland and having an encounter with midges 🙈
@banihex3 жыл бұрын
what's.... what's a midge???
@BelenusValikonis6 жыл бұрын
Heartily sing some folk songs when you spot signs of bears, and show 'em your best war cry when they decide to test your mettle. ;) And don't forget that big 'ole hunting knife for when/if the bear spray doesn't work, and you find yourself getting knocked on your ass. I've only ever encountered black bears, but they'll usually leave you well enough alone. It's the ones around tourist spots that are used to getting fed that you need to watch out for.
@nelgacus9 жыл бұрын
you forgot the other option, draw your handgun and fire it, not to hit the bear, but for the noise and if you are a decent shot, to hit near the bear. DO NOT shoot a bear unless its the only option available, hand guns rarely have the ability to kill a bear and a wounded bear is an angry bear. Oh and we didnt spend all this time rising up the food chain to give up our greatest asset, tools, Im always packing in the woods, and have never even had to put my hand on my gun.........but better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.......Bears are not the only predators
@Mr.56Goldtop7 жыл бұрын
nelgacus You could graze it in the shoulder. 😁
@AlaskanGlitch6 жыл бұрын
Grizzlies also have round ears, while black bears have pointed ears. Furthermore, you can get a good idea of the bear's sex by the shape of their head. Female bears have narrow, triangular-shaped heads. Male bears have square, boxy-shaped heads. Grizzlies also have a concave skulls, and back bears are more rounded. The claws are also an identifying feature. Both bears have claws, of course, but grizzlies are 6" long or longer and visible even from several feet away. Bears also have terrible eye-sight. They are very near-sighted, but they have an excellent sense of a smell. If you are hiking upwind, or against the wind, it is possible to surprise a bear. If you find yourself walking upwind, making noise would be a good idea to give the critters in front of you time to get out of your path. If you are hiking downwind, or with the wind, then you are far less likely to surprise a bear. It is very important to pay close attention to your surroundings when hiking in the forest. Fresh bark scratched from trees, fresh tracks, and fresh scat are all indications that a bear is in the neighborhood. You are not paying close attention to your surroundings if you are riding a mountain bike on a game trail. We get a lot of people mauled in Alaska doing that. You need to be walking and you need to be observant, or you are just bear bait. As the video instructs, never ever run from a bear. However, there are two different ways of handling bear attacks depending on the type of bear. You want to demonstrate to a grizzly that you are no threat. If a climbable tree is handy, use it - adult grizzlies cannot climb trees due to their extremely long claws. Otherwise just slowly back away from the grizzly, talking to it calmly, so that it knows you are human. It will only attack if it feels threatened, or you surprised them. If the grizzly approaches, and you do not have a means to defend yourself, sit down and curl up into a ball, protecting your head with your hands and arms. Bears are also very curious. They may still approach you, even though they no longer consider you a threat. If it is a black bear, then you react very differently. Don't waste your time climbing a tree if you encounter a black bear. Black bears can climb trees as quickly as a squirrel, so it offers no defense. Once again, never ever run from any bear. They have a predatory chase instinct which is automatically triggered whenever something runs away from them. You have to be aggressive with black bears. Shout at it, make lots of noise. Don't run, but don't be submissive either. Do not throw objects at it, because that may make it angry or it may attack in self-defense. Do everything you can do scare it off, without physically coming into contact with the bear. I keep a couple of firecrackers handy in my fishing tackle box in case of black bear encounters. They do not like loud noises. Black bears can be easily chased away, but I do not advise this approach with grizzly bears. That is why it is very important to be able to identify the type of bear. A medium or large breed dog would come in handy as well. I always hike or go fishing with my dogs. They have a much better sense of smell than I. I just need to be sure I pay close attention to what they notice. Moose are a bigger threat in Alaska than bear. I personally carry a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with .65 cal. slugs, and a .44 revolver as backup. I have encountered hundreds of bears during my 27 years in Alaska, and never once had the need to defend myself. I truly hope it stays that way, but it is always better to be armed for bear and not need it, than to need it and not have it. For those who use pepper-spray, I'm sure the bear will appreciate you supplying his condiment as you earn your well-deserved Darwin Award.
@StormLaker6 жыл бұрын
I've only dealt with a black bear one time while camping in a wilderness area. While it was unnerving, I see black bears as inquisitive opportunists. If I am in an area with a lot of black bears around (when backpacking/canoeing the BWCA), I'll prepare meals in a separate location from where I am sleeping at night. I'll eat while on the trail/canoe at breakfast usually, then same at lunch, and then I'll stop a ways along the way before I get to a campsite in the early evening to have dinner. Cooking smells carry a long way, and if you watch a bear that has smelled food, they will circle down wind to catch more of a wiff and follow the scent trail. Their sniffers are more powerful than your dog's.
@navikzc47382 жыл бұрын
If im clapping or creating other noise for bears to notice me should I be concerned about mountain cats coming to see whats making noise?
@nimbuswh22619 жыл бұрын
I am dead afraid of bears !! even tough they are my spirit animal!!! thank for the upload.
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Nimbus WH Thanks Nimbus! Me too. I always want to see them in the wild, but you wouldn't be human if you weren't a little afraid of them.
@MrMLBson096 жыл бұрын
1:35 holy shit that bear looks intimidating as fuck. imagine coming across him on a hike. FUCK THAT.
@hikewithmike46734 жыл бұрын
I agree about cooking and eating your food way away from where you camp
@Chickendinguss6 жыл бұрын
Is that emancipator playing in the background? Nice!
@06Umiami9 жыл бұрын
I recently viewed a product video for the ursack. The sack was filled with food and attached to a tree in a bear pen of a zoo. Two bears were allowed to approach and make attempts at ripping open the sack. The bears were not successful however it looked as though the force utilized by the bears had crushed the contents of the sack. What is the benefit of the ursack if bears are capable of applying a compressive jaw force of 1200 psi likely resulting in food supplies being destroyed while still in the bag? I really like your videos-I find them quite relevant, direct and you come across as quite qualified to deliver the content. Mike
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike. Thats a great comment. I'm with you about the bears crushing the food in the ursack. Ursack does also sell a protective metal shield that goes into their bags and makes it harder for the bears to crush the food. Still, I see your point. The main goal is to keep the bear from getting any human food. Also, most of the time you won't be dealing with bears, you'll be dealing with pesky rodents. And the ursack works really well in that scenario.
@AvoidingChores9 жыл бұрын
only had encounter so far, was a black bear I surprised while it was eating something at low tide. Did bluff charge and was in the woods.
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Jim Cyr Was it scary when the bear bluff charged?
@AvoidingChores9 жыл бұрын
Dave Collins it certainly was as its facial features came into detail
@Bob-bg7se Жыл бұрын
He was aiming the bear spray parallel with the ground which is slightly too high for a charging bear.Aim the spray down slightly so that the bear will have to run into the spray
@CleverHiker4 ай бұрын
Good point, I agree. Thanks for the input!
@tannenherz6 жыл бұрын
A good, necessary and urgent Video.
@drewwatts28039 жыл бұрын
As always, great video Dave.
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Drew Watts Thanks Drew!
@kellykeefe36102 жыл бұрын
I've hunted back bear, and I've been a hunter for over 45 years. Here is the truth about a bear encounter-the most deadly bear is one that is wounded. .A long time ago-I came face to face with a black bear- I stayed calm, I did not run, and backed up-the bear was soon gone.
@joeguzman35587 жыл бұрын
only one way to protect yourself from bears -shotgun
@dianejennings506 жыл бұрын
I saw a black bear a few days ago a was taking a walk on a paved road and she ran away but as soon as I passed her she came out in the road again a truck came along and scared her have not seen her since. I think she did not want people around and was not a threat to use
@bobkull8 жыл бұрын
I spend a month alone camping/fishing in British Columbia on a small remote lake. I stay in one place and cook trout regularly. I keep a scrupulously clean camp, hang my food, dump all fish and food scraps in the middle of the lake, and cook well away from my tent. So far I haven't attracted a bear. But it could happen. Do you have a video, or know of one, that focuses specifically on how to respond to a bear that comes into camp? Thank you.
@CleverHiker7 жыл бұрын
This would be that video, so I'm sorry to say I don't have any others on bears. I'd recommend carrying bear spray at all times, especially in grizzly country.
@ladygrace27415 жыл бұрын
A bear fence would be helpful.@@CleverHiker
@JohnDoe-nk1dd5 жыл бұрын
I live in North Alabama and we are now having black bears moving in on us since the arsonists set the Gatlinburg area on fire. Black bears seemed to have started spreading out. I'm trying to study up on them. They have been spotted 4 miles from my home so they are here now. My children are small so if I see a black bear near my home I definitely won't feed it. I want them FAR away from my family.
@randalhuffman88275 жыл бұрын
yea, thats a good idea... dont feed an apex predator near your home.
@uctt249 жыл бұрын
Glad you made this!
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
uctt24 Thanks!
@Maiarien8 жыл бұрын
If one encounters a bear on the trail back to camp and it does flee from you, but in the direction you should be going... Is it safe to continue walking towards camp?
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
Well, usually when a bear flees from people it want's to get as far away from them as possible. So it's unlikely that it would go hang around your camp. But if a bear is hanging around your camp and looking for food even when you try to scare it away, that's a problem bear that needs to be reported to park authorities.
@cbmathews04406 жыл бұрын
The whole problem that I have, that I was hoping to learn from this video is when do you stop playing dead and start fight back?
@1990beebs9 жыл бұрын
Hey great video man! It'll be very helpful for a very nervous hiking buddy and for a nervous me. I just have one question. If the bear is charging, would you yell while standing your ground or is it better to still be calm? And when fighting back?
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
1990beebs Thanks! Bluff charges are very rare. They happen when people accidentally get too close and it's a defensive maneuver for the bear. So stay calm, talk in soothing tones, back away slowly, and give the bear space. Leave the area immediately. Hope that helps!
@Chadwillard556 жыл бұрын
I was hiking today in florida and I was literally 10 feet away from a black bear, I didn't know what to do so I just ran away as fast as I could, thankfully it didn't chase after me
@Passion41416 жыл бұрын
Chaz Williams What part of Florida??
@Mrgp7896 жыл бұрын
I saw a black bear today in a park in MA on a very short hiking trail we have done numerous times w/o any encounters with bears. As a matter of fact we were on our second lap having just minutes ago been through the trail and seeing nothing except another lady and her dog coming down. The bear was only about 15-20 ft away from me & my little dog, I had my phone in my bag playing some workout music, we came up around a corner, and "pow" I am staring at a huge black bear standing on its hind legs that is so close, I wasn't sure what to do, so I said ok, its ok, we backed up slowly, thankfully the dog stayed quiet, thankfully he had been walking behind me smelling something not ahead of me and he was leashed and harnessed, then as soon as we were out of its line of sight we made a run for it. I think you have to do what each situation calls for.
@sleeper.simulant73275 жыл бұрын
“Hiking” in FL more like walking on a flat trail lol. Ocala is the only area I know of that has a decent bear population although I’m sure they’re around other parts as well. I don’t live in FL but I do have family in that area.
@nananay82675 жыл бұрын
@@Mrgp789 very scary!
@raykemry9545 жыл бұрын
Nothing more anoying than some one walking in nature making stupid noises, like saying hay bear and clapping your hands .
@timothyeubanks321008 жыл бұрын
all my friends ask me about bear attacks and stuff when they know im going backpacking. bears arent my biggest fear in the wild. Bears give warnings. you can hear them, and see them. mountain lions though. ugh, ive only seen one in the wild and it was at a great distance. but how freakin scary would it be to be stalked by mountain lion. You might not see or hear it before it pounces on you. that is far more scary to me then a bear. i know cougar deaths are even more rare then bears, but if given a choice in a fight to death against a bear or a cougar, ill take my chances against the bear personally. Big cats are freakin scary! thank the stars there arent tigers in the states, i might never hike!
@CleverHiker7 жыл бұрын
Lol, I agree, big cats are pretty scary. Luckily attacks are crazy rare.
@GoorooGaming7 жыл бұрын
I hear you! To me the black bears don't seem that scary, but the grizzly or a big cat, I would have a harder time keeping my cool, I would imagine.
@cynicalcindy14346 жыл бұрын
I was in southern Oregon and ended up having a come up behind me lay down!!!! I was smoking a bowl, I think that might have saved me. Another person saw the cougar and was armed with a gun and weed wacker. He didn't want to startle either of us so he waited and watched. I even thought I heard something, walked around the big bush and sat back down. It just circled with me and laid back down. The guy said it even laid down on its side and stretched out. Im convinced the weed saved me.
@tanefendi6 жыл бұрын
Audrey Williamson you have to explain the reasoning behind why you think the weed saved you??
@sleeper.simulant73275 жыл бұрын
Tim Eubanks you’re more likely to get attacked by a mountain lion then a bear, that’s for sure... lb for lb a big cat is the most dangerous animal on the planet
@eligrimm16897 жыл бұрын
Yesterday I was in the forest looking at the ground and I looked up when I heard the black bear snort, I turned around slowly and tried to act calm. I walked with my back facing the bear and tried to act calm, Is ignoring it and showing it ur back a bad decision???
@pbanthonyv6 жыл бұрын
If a black bear snuck up on you it's probably best to act aggressively towards it. Throw rocks, kick dirt, make yourself look big. If it was further off maybe it was just as surprised as you or completely oblivious. In that case backing off and being calm is the way to go.
@johnadams54896 жыл бұрын
Eli Grimm Personally, I would have turned around and starting backing away slowly. Ignoring a bear may not work. If that fails you will know after the bear attacks you. Usually, bears are not aggressive, but I too have seen a lot more bears now than ever, their population is growing. That means there is less food available for each bear and younger boars get run out of older bear's home range. That can be a problem when they can't find food and water. Its always smart to talk to district foresters and Ranges when you are going to hike/camp in an area you are not familiar with to ask questions. Going solo without information and precautions before you go is not wise.
@monicacarolina64804 жыл бұрын
A bear that is following you IS preditorial behaviour. Turning your back triggers that behaviour even more. Never turn your back. Let the bear know you see him, talk to the bear (never yell or raise your vouce) Make yourself big, walk backwards slowly and avoid eye contact.
@__BERSERKER__9 жыл бұрын
shoot it with your glock 20 or .44 mag because, no Alaskan goes into the bush without a large bore rifle or handgun. don't stop shooting until the bear stops. As for bear spray, it only goes about 15 feet and a bear can close on you and kill you before it even takes affect.
@Ufos4dahoes6 жыл бұрын
Bears can also run up to 40mph and can climb trees. Beautiful and majestic animals, but you dont want to piss one off.
@sleeper.simulant73275 жыл бұрын
U F O a grizzly won’t be climbing a tree. A black bear on the other hand can climb very well
@jimjefferies28916 жыл бұрын
Sweet hand movements
@dirtnworms65669 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making a Bear video. I really worried about bears. There are tone in my area (I live in bc). This video helped me a lot. Thanks (;
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Happy to help out Adam. Thanks for watching.
@jaydenhakala72107 жыл бұрын
Of course on my FIRST solo backcountry mountain bike ride in Colorado I see a black bear 80yards in front of me as I was charging down a old mining pass at 20mph. lucky me I guess
@CleverHiker7 жыл бұрын
Yeah, maybe you snuck up on him/her as you were moving fast.
@dannelson42095 жыл бұрын
The thing of it is though......okay 3 people every year die from Bear attack, But,how many people hike in Bear country? I am thinking that may be a small number of hikers. so then 3 people out of how many Bear country hikers?
@td7shelton8 жыл бұрын
Good Video. Thanks!
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
+td7shelton You're very welcome!
@Nitrof729 жыл бұрын
Hey Dave! Awesome video as always! Was just wondering, what's the name of the song during your intro? Also, do you have any recommendations or preferences for a two person tent?? Thanks! :)
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
TheBowSlinger Thanks BowSlinger, That's Emancipator, and he's an incredible musician. I highly suggest you check out his work. As for tent recommendations - I recommend a ton of great lightweight gear on my site - www.cleverhiker.com/gear - Have a look and let me know what you think!
@Nitrof729 жыл бұрын
Awesome website! I live in Canada so I don't always have access to the same equipment, but I should be able to work something out! :)
@blitzb49 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tips!
@CleverHiker9 жыл бұрын
Thanks Will. Glad you enjoyed the video.
@vietho84188 жыл бұрын
I always have been told to scream as loud as you can and get as big as possible. Is it not a good idea to scream? Should I be worried about bears in Washington state? I'm about to go hike there.
@CleverHiker8 жыл бұрын
+Viet Ho Every situation is a little different, but in general, if you make noise, black bears are likely to run away. There are black bears in Washington, but again, attacks are incredibly rare.
@MrCmon1135 жыл бұрын
Apply the tactics of the bear against it and do a bluff charge.