Dogs In Bear Country, What You Should Know While Hiking

Dogs in Bear Country can be a curse or a blessing. Should Dogs be allowed on hiking trails? Questions and facts are answered here. If it’s a good idea or not depends on many factors. This blog may shed some light on questions often asked by hikers.

Why Dogs Are Not A Good Idea For Hiking In Bear Country?

Some reasons are as follows:

1. Attracting Bears: Dogs can attract bears with their scent, barking, and movement. Bears may be curious or agitated by the presence of a dog, potentially increasing the chances of a bear encounter.
2. Aggressive Behavior: Some dogs may exhibit aggressive behavior towards wildlife, including bears. This can provoke defensive reactions from bears, which can be dangerous for both the dog and the hiker.
3. Unpredictable Reactions: Dogs’ reactions to encountering a bear can be unpredictable. While some dogs may run away in fear, others may confront the bear, potentially leading to a dangerous situation.
4. Off-Leash Dogs: Hiking in bear country often requires keeping dogs on a leash at all times, which not all dog owners are willing to do. Off-leash dogs are more likely to approach bears and wildlife, increasing the risk of a bear encounter.
5. Protection Concerns: Some people believe that having a dog provides protection against bears. While dogs can deter some wildlife, they may not necessarily deter a determined bear. In fact, bears have been known to attack dogs in self-defense.
6. Disturbance to Wildlife: Dogs can disturb wildlife, which is especially concerning in Bear Country. Bears and other wildlife need their space and may become stressed or agitated when encountering dogs.
7. Additional Logistics: Bringing a dog on a hike in Bear Country can add extra challenges. You’ll need to carry extra supplies for your dog, ensure they are well-trained and well-behaved, and follow regulations.

Do Dogs Sense Bears?

Yes, Dogs have a keen sense of smell, often considered one of the most acute among mammals, which can alert you that a bear is near. It is also thousands of times more sensitive than that of humans. Many dogs are used for hunting purposes such as the Karelian Bear Dog, Bloodhounds, and Labradors.

A bear on the other hand also has an extraordinary sense of smell and is significantly higher than a dog which is instrumental in locating food sources, such as carcasses or buried caches of food. Some say up to 20 miles.

Dogs In Bear Country, Why Is It Important To Keep Them Leashed While Hiking?

It is a good idea to keep them on a leash as they tend to want to investigate. Even the best-trained dog will want to protect its owner and curiosity sometimes overshadows good behavior.

If a dog does happen to run off in search of the bear it can pose as a preditor to the bear and cause it to give chase, especially if the dog gets between her and cubs. A dog in this position will tend to run back to the owner which then in turn poses a threat and danger to the human.

A bear is most likely to ignore a barking or leashed dog however this is not 100%. Bears are unpredictable. If they have offspring or a carcass food source close by can play a huge factor in their aggression. If you are in the wrong place at the wrong time it’s hard to say what can transpire.

Why Do People Take Dogs Hiking?

Many people feel that it’s safe to take their dogs on hikes for several reasons:

1. Companionship: It can make the hiking experience more enjoyable. Many hikers appreciate the presence of their furry friends as they explore the outdoors.
2. Exercise: Hiking is an excellent form of exercise for both humans and dogs, which is crucial for physical and mental well-being.
3. Bonding: Hiking with a dog can strengthen the bond between the owner and their pet.
4. Enjoyment for the Dog: Many dogs love the outdoors and enjoy exploring new scents, sights, and sounds, making hiking an enriching experience for them.
5. Training Opportunities: Hiking provides an opportunity to train and reinforce commands with your dog, such as recall and leash manners. Training your dog to be well-behaved on hikes can make the experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
6. Social Interaction: Hiking with a dog can lead to positive social interactions with other hikers. People often enjoy meeting and interacting with dogs on the trail.
7. Protection: Some hikers believe that having a dog with them provides an added layer of protection. While dogs can deter some wildlife and provide early warning of potential dangers, it’s essential to understand that their ability to protect against large predators like bears can be limited.

Do Dogs Give People A False Sense Of Security?

Yes, relying solely on a dog for security while hiking in the wilderness can provide a false sense of security. Do not assume that a dog alone can provide complete protection or safety in all situations.

• While some dogs may deter wildlife or potential threats, their effectiveness varies depending on the dog’s size, temperament, and training
• Dogs’ reactions to encountering wildlife or unfamiliar situations can be unpredictable.
• In some cases, a dog’s behavior can escalate a situation, such as barking or approaching wildlife, which can provoke defensive or aggressive responses from wild animals.
• Hikers should always take responsibility for their safety in the wilderness by having key essentials along for safety.
• Hikers should ensure that their dogs are well-trained, obedient, and under control at all times.

When Is It OK To Take Dogs Hiking?

While hiking with dogs in bear country can be safe and rewarding, it’s essential for dog owners to take precautions, especially in areas where there may be wildlife threats like bears or where specific regulations apply.

1. Leash Laws: Many hiking trails and wilderness areas have leash laws that require dogs to be on a leash at all times. Complying with these laws is essential for the safety of your dog, other hikers, and wildlife.
2. Dog-Friendly Trails: Choose trails that are suitable for dogs and consider your dog’s fitness level and hiking experience. Some trails may not be appropriate for dogs due to steep terrain or challenging conditions.
3. Training and Socialization: Ensure your dog is well-trained and socialized. This includes commands like recall (coming when called) and good behavior around other dogs and people.
4. Wildlife Awareness: In a bear or other wildlife country, educate yourself about local wildlife and bear safety. Carry bear spray and know how to use it if necessary.
5. Environmental Responsibility: Practice Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after your dog, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife and their habitats.

Importance of Picking Up After Your Dog, Including Bags:

Nothing worse than hiking a trail and seeing green poop bags everywhere on trails and hung on trees. Please do better!

Attention: Please, If you leave a poop bag beside a trail or up in a tree, make sure to pick it up on the way back. Countless times I see old weathered poop bags left behind. This can also be a potential hazard.

People think, oh it’s just poop, coyotes and wolfs do it. NO, A big difference as wild animals eat wild catch. Dogs most often eat food that is produced with fillers etc which bears are attracted to and their poop will not decompose like wild animals.

Poop bags alone take months to compose even if they are biodegradable.

What Makes A Bear Vicious And Attack?

Bears are not inherently vicious animals, and they typically avoid confrontations with humans. However, there are several factors and situations that can lead to a bear attack:

1. Defensive Behavior: Most bear attacks occur when a bear feels threatened or cornered. This is particularly true with mother bears protecting their cubs.
2. Surprised Encounters: Startling a bear can trigger an aggressive response. If a bear is unaware of your presence and suddenly encounters you at close range, it may react defensively out of fear.
3. Food-Related Encounters: Bears are attracted to food sources, and if a bear associates humans with food, it may become more aggressive in its pursuit of it. Improperly stored food, garbage, or human food left unattended can lead to food-conditioned bears, which can become more aggressive in seeking out human food.
4. Aggressive Dominance: Male bears, especially during mating season, can be more territorial and aggressive toward other bears and sometimes humans. These encounters are typically related to competition for resources or territory.
5. Injured or Sick Bears: Injured or sick bears may behave unpredictably and aggressively out of pain, discomfort, or confusion. They may perceive humans as threats and react accordingly.
6. Habituation: Bears that become accustomed to human presence may lose their natural fear of humans and may approach more closely, potentially leading to dangerous encounters.

Bears typically try to avoid human interactions and attacks are relatively rare.

How To Avoid Bear Encounters?

• BearSpray is crucial to carry anywhere in Bear country. This includes tourist areas and picnic areas.
• Making Noise, talking, singing clapping occasionally are good. It’s important to not make enough noise that it takes away from the calm tranquility of a nature hike and annoys fellow hikers. Loud music and bear bells can be temporary as bears can become habituated to sounds over time, which can make them curious instead.
• Food Storage: put food, trash, and scented items in bear-resistant containers. Hang food away from tents. Snacks while hiking should be as odorless as possible and stored in airtight containers. Tuna sandwiches are not a smart choice.
• Perfume: Wearing strong fruity scented perfumes can attract bears as well as irritate fellow hikers. Bears associate some smells as a food source. In my opinion is nothing worse than passing a hiker with a ton of perfume. Instead, I use a coconut oil base with peppermint and clove essential oils which also helps keep pesky insects away.
• Stay Informed: Research the area you plan to visit, understand bear behavior, and be aware of any recent bear sightings or warnings.
• Hike in groups, a group is more imposing to a bear than a single individual.
• Distance: If you encounter a bear, give it plenty of space. Do not approach, and slowly back away while speaking in a calm and non-threatening manner.

In summary, bears are generally not “vicious” animals, but they can become aggressive in specific situations. Understanding bear behavior, practicing proper safety measures, and respecting their space are essential steps to reduce the risk of bear encounters and attacks.

Are Bear Attacks On The Rise?

Bear attacks vary from year to year. Some say it has been on the rise recently due to many factors, especially in western Canada.

The reason can be as follows:

• Population: Due to the ban on Grizzly hunting the population has grown over time.
• People: There are more people out enjoying nature than ever before.
• Environmental Damage: Due to global warming, extremely hot conditions allow for slim pickings on vegetation. Forest fires have caused wildlife to move closer to public areas.

Conclusion:

That said, some hikers do bring their dogs into bear country successfully by taking precautions, such as keeping them on a leash, maintaining control, and minimizing their impact on the environment. It’s essential to research the specific area you plan to hike in, follow local regulations, and consider the temperament and training of your dog before deciding whether or not to bring them along. Additionally, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is advisable in bear country, regardless of whether you have a dog with you

Wrong Place, Wrong Time!

In regards to the latest bear attack on a couple in Alberta.

Read here of a Recent Bear Attack in Alberta killing a couple and their dog. This couple were avid experienced hikers and did everything right in regard to safety. They even applied the use of bear spray. It is not known exactly of the cause however, it had looked as though they were relaxing in their tent on their reading tablets.

Is it possible that one took the dog out to pee thinking it needed to pee but was actually whining to alert them, and caught the bear off guard as it was sniffing through camp? Both were found deceased along with their dog just outside of the tent. What actually transpired, no one will ever know for sure.

RIP, Doug, and Jenny!

Never get cocky and think it won’t happen, always be cautious. It’s all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time period.

Stay Safe and Happy Trails!!