Make noise when travelling, especially in areas of limited visibility. Talk, sing, shout, use air horns, rattle rocks in a can or use other methods.
- Slow down when biking in bear country-moving quickly and quietly increases the chances of surprising a bear. In noisy areas, such as along rivers and streams,
- an air horn is effective in alerting bears.
- Avoid dangerous situations. This includes avoiding travelling upwind or in noisy conditions, such as high winds, rain, and along rivers and low-light conditions, such as late evening, night and dawn; or in heavy treed cover.
- Be aware of wind direction as bears rely on their sense of smell more than their sense of sight or hearing.
- Bear bells are ineffective because the sound they generate does not carry any distance. In addition, they may attract a bear as it may investigate the source of the strange noise.
- Keep dogs under control; they can be a deterrent or early warning system in bear country. The dog must be obedient and well trained. Uncontrollable dogs or those that do not have a good disposition to deal with bear encounters are a liability in bear country. Having more than one dog means more effective bear deterrence. They should be kept on leashes and not allowed to chase wildlife.
- Avoid travelling alone; larger numbers of people (six or more) help to intimidate bears.
