Bears and Your Campsite
Helpful Tips to Avoid Problems with Bears
PA Black Bears...
An estimated 16,255 black bears inhabit Pennsylvania, so there is potential to encounter a bear while camping. Wildlife is a thrilling part of the camping experience. Help protect black bears and keep encounters positive by using these guidelines:
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• Pass up campsites with obvious signs of bear activity.
• Keep a tidy camp.
• Avoid bear conflicts and prevent causing problems for the next camper by not feeding bears and by doing your best to avoid attracting bears to your campsite.
• Store all food and scented objects in sealed containers away from your tent. Suspend containers with dark cord 100 yards away; ten feet off the ground; and five feet from tree trunk.
Loud Noises
• Wild animals typically avoid people.
Discourage a bear from snooping around your campsite by using loud noises such as blowing a whistle, yelling or banging loud objects together. Stand tall and be bold to scare off a persistent bear.
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