Bears
Are Wild Animals
Keep
in mind that no matter how cute or cuddly bears may
seem: They are very powerful and potentially dangerous
wild animals. Take these precautions to avoid an unnecessary
confrontation:
- Bear
Cubs: Bears usually avoid people, but their
responses are unpredictable. A female may be quickly
provoked if her cubs are disturbed or if you come
between her and the cubs.
- Make
noise! Bears don't like surprises. Make
your presence known by singing, talking, wearing
bells, or making other noises. Hike in groups.
Do not hike after dark.
- Dogs: Dogs
can disturb a bear and lead it back to you. If dogs
are permitted in the area, obey the leash law and
don't allow your dog to run free.
- Watch
for signs: Be alert. If you notice bears,
dead animals, or bear signs such as tracks, droppings,
or diggings, you should choose
another area.
Food
Attracts Bears
Bears
are attracted to human food which offers a powerful "reward" for
bears to come into your campsites. Bears can develop
a bad habit after just one reward. Bears that do obtain
human food or garbage may lose their fear of people
and become a danger. Problem bears sometimes have to
be destroyed to protect visitors. You can take some
basic precautions to prevent this from happening.
- Store
food in your car trunk. Otherwise, place
food in a bag, backpack, or pannier and hang from
a tree branch at least ten feet above the ground
and four feet from the tree trunk. Do not store
food in tents.
- Garbage: Pack
out all garbage. Never bury it.
- No
greasy food: Avoid cooking smelly or greasy
foods. Sleep some distance uphill from your cooking
area and food storage site. Keep sleeping bags
and personal gear clean and free of food odor.
Don't sleep in the same clothes you wore while
cooking.
- Hunters: Where
hunting is permitted, keep game meat out of reach
of bears.
- Fishy
Stuff: Dispose of fish entrails by puncturing
the air bladder and dropping in deep water where
it will decompose naturally.
- Horses: Horse
pellets should be stored the same as food.
If
You Encounter a Bear
- Stay
calm: It will probably leave you alone.
Do not make abrupt moves or noises that would startle
the bear.
- Give
the bear plenty of room: Slowly detour,
keeping upwind so the bear will not get your scent.
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Bears have lived in the San Bernardino mountains
for hundreds of years. Grizzly bears were here first,
but they were quickly killed by the pioneers in the 1890s.
Black bears were introduced in the mid-twentieth century
and are much more tolerant of people. 
