Visitors to the mountains surrounding Dubois have the privilege of sharing the wilderness areas with a wide variety of wild animals. One of the more exciting residents is the bear. We have both black and grizzly bears in the Wind River Mountains to the south and the Absarokas to the north. Following the precautions below will help make the experience safer and more enjoyable for you, your companions, and wildlife. Educating yourself is the best way to avoid an encounter with a bear.

Hiking Precautions

• Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return
• Read all trail head signs and follow local regulations
• Stay on the trail
• Hike in groups. The more noise you make, the better warning the bear has to remove himself from your path.
• Don't hike in the dark
• Leave pets at home. Pets may attract bears and mountain lions. If dogs are permitted, keep them on a short leash so they don't bother wildlife.
• Carry EPA registered bear pepper spray when hiking and camping in bear country. Even more importantly, have it close at hand and know how to use it. It will do you little good stashed safely away in your pack.
• Keep children within your sight

Camping Precautions

• Set up cooking, eating and supply areas at least 100 yards from your sleeping area. This includes brushing your teeth, as well.
• Use bear resistant food containers, where available or required, to store food and odorous items when not in use
• Keep sleeping bags and tents completely free of food, beverages, and odorous items
• Do not sleep in the clothes you cook or handle fish and game in. The odors may attract wildlife.
• Keep a flashlight and bear pepper spray readily available

For further information, please visit the Be Bear Aware Website at http://www.centerforwildlifeinformation.org/. Also, see the US Forest Service Website at http://www.fs.fed.us/safety/wildlife.shtml.