Survival News: Grizzly Bear Attack in Wyoming (and what you can learn from this)

It has happened again, as it happens every year.  An "experienced" outdoorsman goes out into the backcountry, has an encounter with a bear, and the outdoorsman gets seriously injured and/or killed as the result.

Here is the MSN link:  MSN Link - Bear Attack

In my opinion, this fall 100% in the category of Darwinism - survival of the fittest - along with the Idiot Award of the Week category #sarcasm.  What is known is very little, and what is unknown is a lot.  This is what bothers me the most about this scenario.

This all falls on safety while out in the woods.  With that said, here are some things that you can learn from this man's folly so that you don't end up bear food.

1.  RECON YOUR AREA.  

If you are going out into the woods, especially the backcountry (off trail, miles from people, etc.), then do some research before you go.  Recon is more than just "looking around an area."  

** Investigate the area via the internet.  Research the terrain, the plants, and the animals that live there.  Know where your water sources, your potential points of shelter, and any routes in and out of the area are at.

** Call your local Fish and Game Department and ask questions.  These questions should include but not limited to animal sighting or attacks reported in the area, any forest fires in the area, and other potential hazards that could impact you making it home.

** Map spotting using digital mapping software.  My preference is Google Maps, but you can use whatever.  The point here is know the terrain, especially hidden water sources and sudden elevation changes.

2.  PREPARE YOUR GEAR

If you know that you're going into bear country, or know the area selected had a bear sighting/encounter, then you should bring the correct gear to stay alive.

**  Get a bear bell.  Grizzlies have poor eyesight but decent hearing and good smell.  This is why they get startled.  Sure, having a bear bell hanging from your pack will get annoying after oh so many miles, but it's worth not surprising a bear like the dude in the article.

**  Have a good defense weapon.  This could include some kind of sonic device to deter the bear, bear spray, or a pistol/rifle/revolver.  I recommend two at minimum.  When I know I'm going into bear country, i carry bear spray and a hunting revolver with bear ammo in it.  Regardless of the case, KNOW HOW TO USE IT BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

**  Paper copies.  Do not be too reliant on your smartphone or GPS.  Batteries die.  Accidents happen.  Have a paper copy of the map of the area in question.  In my field pack I have a 3x5 notecard with Emergency Contacts written on it.  Have a paper backup of any dependencies you have with whatever tech you take on your trip, or as many as possible.

**  First Aid.  Most backpackers know first aid and carry some kind of med kit with them.  When was the last time you examined it?  Is everything inside still good?  Consider adding a Trauma Kit, a Tourniquet, and some Quick Clot packs

3.  ON THE ADVENTURE

 While your out and about, here are some tips that I've always been taught to avoid a bear attack situation.  

**  Manage scent.  Bears have EXCELLENT noses.  Keep your "scent" to a minimum.  This means don't trounce around the woods with an open bag of chips.  store all food (cooked, uncooked, caught fish, trapped game, etch) in airtight containers, coolers, etc. While camping, keep food either in bear bags away from main sleeping area or put it behind a hard shell, like a bear barrel or your vehicle.  Also, don't wear the clothes you wore when cooking to bed.

**  Be noisy.  Here is where that bear bell comes into play.  If the bear bell idea isn't your thing, talk to your buddy that should be with you - if alone then sing or talk to the woods or tell a story out loud.  The goal here is to NOT TO STARTLE A BEAR.  

**  Know your defense drill.  Rehearse it at least once before hitting the trail.  Make sure everything is readily accessible within reach - belt, side of pack, leg holster.  Give it all one good maintenance check before hitting the trail.

**  Pay attention to your surroundings.  I always tell my kids 20 yards be vaguely aware of your surroundings 360 degrees, and this increases to 50 yards when were off trail backpacking.  Having a set of headphones in is a bad call.  So is reading a book while walking the trail also.  If your paying attention to your surroundings, then there is a good chance you'll notice the bear before it notices you.

So there are three tips to help you out in your backpacking, backcountry adventures, hiking, or whatever you do outdoors.  The goal here is to share knowledge I've learned and things I do before going out into the wilderness where I know there are bears.  

Thank you for reading.