August 2022 - 25

Stay bear aware when
recreating in bear country.
(Photo by Mark Gocke/WGFD)
BE BEAR AWARE!
* Carry bear spray in an accessible spot, such as on
your belt, at all times in bear country.
* If you encounter a bear on the trail, don't run.
Gather your group together and pick up young
children. Have bear spray ready and slowly back
away facing the bear. Talk calmly but loudly to
identify yourselves as humans. If the bear comes
toward you, act as large and as loud as possible.
* If you see a cub, do not approach it. Mama bear is
close by even if you can't see her.
* Never block a bear of any age from coming or
going. A cornered bear is a dangerous bear.
* Store food, trash, toiletries and other bear attractors
in a bear-proof canister or hang it in a sturdy
bag or backpack from a high tree limb that's at
least 100 feet from your tent. It will keep other
critters from raiding it, too.
* Watch for bears where they might feed, such
as around berry patches, decaying wood and
shorelines.
* Be alert. Avoid wearing ear buds and listening
to music in the backcountry, and approach blind
spots on the trail with caution.
* Make noise by singing or talking.
* Keep your pet on a leash.
* For more information about recreating in bear
country, see the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's
Bear Wise webpage: https://bit.ly/3GN9g4t
- By Lisa Ballard
bringing an angry bear back to you.
Get a dog pack so that Rover can carry his
own food, pad, packable bowl and water. The
weight rule goes for your dog, too. If your dog
weighs 45 pounds, limit its load to 11 pounds.
Clean up after your pet! Burying its poop
is best, at least 100 feet from water or the
trail. Some backcountry organizations suggest
a 200-foot buffer.
What about my poop?
Bury it, too, the same distance away. Carry
out other trash. Better yet, let Rover do it.
Backpacking fulfills you in many ways. By
overcoming challenges like a steep ascent, a
bout of bad weather, a stove that won't light
or fish that won't bite, you return stronger and
more confident in your everyday life. Though
you may be tired from the physical demands
of the outing, it will ultimately energize you.
Good friends become great friends, and the
fond memories last a lifetime.
- An award-winning writer and photographer and a
long-time contributor to Wyoming Wildlife, Lisa Ballard
spends most of summer and fall trekking into the backcountry
to fish, hunt or simply enjoy the view. She's the
author of 10 books on backpacking and hiking. See her
work at www.LisaBallardOutdoors.com.
Wyoming Wildlife | 25

https://www.bit.ly/3GN9g4t http://www.LisaBallardOutdoors.com

August 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of August 2022

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