Preview of “Bear Grylls Is Running Wild” on FOX

The adventure series featuring Bear Grylls is set to premiere on April 21. This season, Grylls will be joined by Matthew McConaughey for an episode where they embark on a 48-hour wilderness journey. It looks like there will be plenty of exciting moments ahead.

Recently, bear attacks have been trending in the news. It’s not just your imagination; there have been quite a few high-profile incidents. For instance, a hiker tragically died in Glacier National Park—the first such fatality there in nearly 30 years. Shortly thereafter, another hiker survived a grizzly bear encounter on the popular Grinnell Glacier Trail. Meanwhile, visitors to Yellowstone unexpectedly met a mother bear and her cubs near Old Faithful, creating quite the scene.

It’s frightening, for sure. However, before you decide to abandon outdoor adventures altogether, let’s look at some context. Millions of adventurers safely hike in bear territories every year. Generally, bears prefer to avoid humans. Most negative interactions arise from unexpected encounters, food left unprotected, or a lack of preparedness when entering these wild environments.

So, if you’re planning to explore bear country, here are some crucial tips for hikers and campers to keep in mind.

Make Noise

Many bear encounters happen simply because neither party is aware of the other’s presence until it’s too late. The first rule here is to make noise. You don’t need a bear bell; those aren’t usually loud enough to grab a bear’s attention. Instead, use your voice. Talk with your hiking buddy, complain about the incline, or just say “Hey, bear!” occasionally. The aim is to alert bears to your presence so they can vacate the area before you arrive, especially around water, blind spots, or dense vegetation where sounds and visibility are limited.

Hike in Groups

Bears tend to shy away from larger groups. Hiking with three or more people can significantly minimize risks, especially if you’re venturing deep into the backcountry.

Store Food Properly

Bears have a keen sense of smell. It’s not just hot dogs or hamburgers that lure them; things like toothpaste or the shirt you wore while cooking can attract them too. When camping, designate different areas for sleeping, cooking, and storing food. Utilize bear-resistant containers or boxes if they’re available. And, please, don’t stow food in your tent!

Maintain a Clean Camp

A tidy campsite equates to a safer one. Wash dishes right away, dispose of trash properly, and don’t leave any food scraps unattended. In areas with grizzlies, some experts suggest changing clothes after cooking before hitting the sleeping bag.

Carry Bear Spray

Ensure your bear spray is accessible—keep it on your hip or in a chest holster. Remember to practice removing the safety clip before your trip; don’t rely on reading instructions in stressful moments.

Know When and How to Use Bear Spray

Bear spray is meant for aggressive situations, not for casually scaring off distant bears. If one approaches you aggressively, use the spray when it’s about 30 to 40 feet away, creating a barrier cloud between you and the bear.

Don’t Run Away

It’s instinctual to flee, but running may provoke the bear. They can sprint at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. If the bear hasn’t noticed you, calmly back away. If you come face to face with a bear, stand your ground, speak calmly, and make yourself look larger by raising your arms. Most bears will retreat if given the chance.

Control Your Dog

Even if your dog is friendly, it doesn’t mean bears will feel the same way. Many bear encounters escalate due to off-leash dogs running toward bears. Always keep your dog leashed and under control in bear country.

Avoid Cub Encounters

Finding a bear cub may seem adorable, but it’s vital not to approach it; you’re likely closer to the mother bear than you realize. Always keep a safe distance, as mothers can become protective if they feel their cubs are threatened.

Different Bears, Different Behaviors

Fortunately, most bear encounters don’t escalate into attacks. However, knowing the type of bear can help determine your response. With black bears, it’s usually advisable to stand your ground and fight back if attacked. Grizzly bears, on the other hand, might act defensively. In such a case, if an attack happens and bear spray is ineffective, lying still and playing dead could be the recommended action.

The ultimate goal is to avoid these dire situations altogether. Making noise, storing food correctly, and being prepared with bear spray will go a long way in your outdoor adventures. Remember, when we venture into the wilderness, we are guests in the bears’ territory. They don’t comprehend that we’re just there for a quick visit. Understanding this can turn a potential nightmare into simply another story of adventure.