When enjoying Ontario’s campsites, lakes, forests or hiking trails, remember you are in natural bear habitat. Bears have a keen sense of smell, and are attracted by the odour of all food and garbage. Avoid conflicts with bears while camping by being prepared and aware.
- Plan your trip with safety in mind by learning how to avoid attracting a bear.
- Teach children how to be Bear Wise and never approach or run from a bear. Keep children between adults while hiking.
- Think about how to safely store your food and garbage while on the campsite.
- Pack food with special care.
Be Bear Wise:
- Look for signs of bear activity near your campsite.
- Keep dogs on a leash. The bear may follow the dog back to its owner.
- Follow the advice set out by Ontario Parks or the private campground
- Use bear-resistant containers or sealed plastic bags to store food when camping or in back country.
- Hang food at least 4 metres (13 feet) above the ground and 3 metres
(10 feet) from tree limbs.
- Never eat, cook or store food, cooking equipment or toiletries in your tent.
- Clean up at your campsite:
- Clean fish away from your campsite
- Burn scraps and fat droppings
- Drain dish water.
- Long ropes for hanging food and garbage
- Whistle or air horn
- Bear spray
- Long-handled axe
- Dog leash
- Garbage bags
- Easily prepared food
Always call 911 in an emergency.
Call 1-866-514-2327 to report a sighting.
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for more tips on being Bear Wise.