It’s Fat Bear Week. Here Are Some Bear-Friendly Wilderness Safety Tips.

Fats Bear Week is a enjoyable technique to rejoice bears’ voracious appetites. However the common competitors may also assist elevate consciousness about bears’ behaviors within the wild.

Otis has tasted victory, however upstart rivals are giving him a run for his cash (or salmon). He’s one of many oldest bears vying for votes throughout Fat Bear Week. This competitors started in 2014 as a means for rangers at Katmai National Park and Preserve to coach the general public about brown bears. Ever since then, individuals throughout the nation vote for the (literal) heavyweight champion. Katmai Nationwide Park and Protect publishes side-by-side pictures of the bears to check what number of kilos every bear has packed on throughout autumn. The bear with the most important tummy and largest fan base wins the annual Fattest Bear title.

Many individuals dwelling in rural or forested places have seen their fair proportion of fats bears. Bear sightings might enhance through the autumn months. As bears pack on kilos in preparation for his or her winter hibernation, they turn into extra lively of their hunt for meals. Individuals who go fishing might even see extra bears consuming salmon. Throughout this time of yr, competitors with different bears will increase. Each bear wants to achieve as a lot weight as doable earlier than winter, so if a bear can’t discover sufficient salmon or carrion, it might search for new meals sources. Some bears wander into cities to eat by means of rubbish or nibble on seed from chook feeders.

Bears are curious creatures preferring to maintain to themselves. They rarely attack people, however it’s at all times useful to be ready must you come throughout considered one of these animals. Whether or not or not you’re celebrating Fats Bear Week, contemplate these safety tips.

• Maintain your distance from a bear. Even when a bear is fats, it may well most likely nonetheless outrun you.
• Make noise and slowly wave your arms.
• Don’t run away or scream, as these actions can startle or agitate a bear.
• Hike or go fishing with pals. Bears are much less prone to method a gaggle of individuals.
• Bears scavenge for a lot of of their meals, so safe your meals and rubbish to keep away from attracting a hungry bear who’s searching for a free dinner.
• Transfer sideways as an alternative of turning your again to the bear.
• Carry bear spray when you’re out within the wilderness or close to rivers.
• Should you see cubs, maintain your distance and calmly go away the realm. Mom bears are sometimes territorial and usually tend to assault if they believe their cubs are at risk.
• Keep away from fishing in a river throughout a salmon run.
• Enjoying lifeless might dissuade a grizzly or brown bear; nevertheless, it is best to by no means play lifeless round a black bear. Black bear maulings are uncommon however could be lethal. Should you expertise an aggressive black bear, battle again. Use your backpack to protect your important organs.

To be taught extra about bear and wilderness security, seek the advice of your native Park Service rangers, your state Fish and Wildlife representatives, the International Association for Bear Research and Management, BearWise, and Western Wildlife Outreach.