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Save The Bears - Stop Feeding Them!
Hey Adventurers! Let’s talk about bears. They’re big, they’re fuzzy and they’re nature’s ultimate scavengers. Bears are highly intelligent, opportunistic creatures and are always on the lookout for their next meal. Unfortunately, human negligence often provides one. Here’s the deal: Whether it’s food scraps left behind at a campsite or trash improperly secured, these actions teach bears to associate people with food. Think of it like this- Bears are the wild neighbors you don’t want knocking on your door for snacks at midnight! While amazing to see in the wild, bears can become a danger to humans and themselves if we fail to follow basic guidelines.
Let’s break down how to keep these big guys happy and away from our campsite, trail and just anywhere you live and play.
1. Simple – Don’t Feed The Bears
It may seem harmless to toss something like an apple core, off trail, but when a bear starts to associate humans with food, it’s game over. Feeding bears teaches them to seek out humans for food, disrupting their natural behaviors and putting them at risk.
2. Secure Your Food And Trash
While on trail or camping, always store food, garbage and toiletries in bear proof containers, lockers or hang food at least 10 ft off the ground and 4 ft away from tree trunks. Do not keep food and scented items near your sleeping area!
3. Leave No Trace (LNT)
Always follow Leave No Trace practices. Clean it up. Bears aren’t picky eaters – they’ll go after anything that smells remotely edible. for more information on Leave No Trace go to lnt.org or look for future posts on LNT.
4. Urban Locations In Bear Country
Secure your garbage. Use bear-proof trash cans. No one wants to find a 500 lb visitor digging through last night’s leftovers! Remove all food sources. Don’t leave pet food, bird seed or compost accessible outdoors. Clean grills and other outdoor cooking gear after use. A finally, don’t leave food in vehicles, bears can break into cars if they smell food.
Why it Matters
Here’s the big picture: not following these guidelines is a potential death sentence for bears. When we’re sloppy with food and trash, bears lose their fear of humans. and when that happens, they’re often removed from the wild or worse. So let’s do our part to ensure bears remain wild and safe. Plus- nothing ruins an outdoor adventure faster than a bear becoming your guest and rummaging through your stuff!
Learn more about "Bear Safety" here
Bathroom Breaks Beyond The Trailhead
Ah… the great outdoors! Nothing quite matches the serenity of a sunlit trail, the sound of rustling leaves, and the gentle trickle of a mountain stream. But then, nature calls—Fear not, fellow adventurer! We will discuss the skills needed to handle your backcountry bathroom breaks like a pro.
When it comes to relieving yourself in nature, there are three golden rules:
1. Distance Matters: Always venture at least 200 feet (about 70 – 80 adult paces) away from water sources, trails, and campsites.
2. Pack It In, Pack It Out: If you bring it into the wilderness, it’s your responsibility to take it back out—toilet paper included.
3. Leave No Trace: Your goal is to ensure future hikers never suspect your wilderness pit stop ever happened.
Peeing in the Wild
Peeing outdoors is the easier of nature’s calls. Simply find a private spot, away from trails and water, and let it flow. Ladies, an antimicrobial pee cloth is a game-changer. Hang it on your pack to dry between uses, and voila! No more toilet paper waste.
The Art of the Backcountry Poop
Here’s the scoop:
1. Digging Your Cat Hole: Using a trowel, dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and about 4-6 inches wide. This ensures your contribution to nature decomposes.
2. Doing the Deed: Squat over your cat hole and aim true. It might feel awkward, but you’re in good company—even bears do this!
3. Clean Up Responsibly: Toilet paper should be packed out in a sealed plastic bag. Yes, it sounds gross, but it’s way less gross than stumbling upon someone else’s TP down the trail. Alternatively, natural materials like leaves, moss or snow can come in handy.
4. Cover It Up: Fill the cat hole with the original dirt and tamp it down. No one should be able to tell you were there. I like to add a stick in the ground to mark the spot. It lets other savvy hikers know “Don’t dig here!”
Packing Out the Gross Stuff
In some fragile environments, such as alpine areas or arid areas like deserts and canyons, cat holes aren’t an option. In fact, some wilderness areas prohibit digging cat holes due to an increasing number of backpackers in their parks and it is mandatory to pack out the poo. Enter the wag bag, a portable, double-layered bag system designed to contain your business and seal in the stink. Alternatively, double zip lock bagging works well. Pro tip: Keep it in a separate compartment of your pack… You’re welcome.
A Final Word
Using the bathroom in the backcountry is part of the adventure. With the right mindset and practices, you can take care of business with dignity, humor, and minimal environmental impact. Remember: the wilderness doesn’t need your “mark.” It’s perfect as it is—pristine, unspoiled, and ready for the next adventurer to enjoy. So, go forth and conquer those trails, knowing you’re prepared for any call of nature. Just keep your trowel handy and your LNT principles closer. Happy hiking!
