5 Hiking Tips In Bear Country

This week, a missing hiker’s body was found in Glacier National Park after he was reportedly attacked by a bear.

Anthony Pollio, 33, of Davie, Florida, was hiking alone on May 3 toward a lookout in the park when he had "a surprise encounter" with a bear, evidence suggests, according to a news release from the park. He was reported missing the next day when his family didn't hear from him, and his remains were found two days later.

Just one day after Pollio's tragic bear encounter, two brothers were hospitalized after a bear attack in Yellowstone National Park. Park staff believe the victims, ages 28 and 15, were attacked by a female grizzly bear with two or three young cubs on a trail near Old Faithful, according to a news release from the park. The hikers were transported by helicopter to a hospital, one in serious condition and the other in critical condition.

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The busy season is approaching at popular national parks throughout the U.S. Before you hit the trails in bear country, make sure to review safety guides, use caution and remember these five tips, provided by the National Park Service.

1. Be aware. Be alert while on the trail, and always be on the lookout for bears. Keep an eye out for fresh tracks, scat, other signs (torn up logs, digging, fresh claw marks on trees) and carrion (carcasses) in the area. Check with individual parks to find out what kind of bears can be found in the park and if any areas are closed for bear management. Stay out of these areas!
2. Hike in a group. A group of three or more hikers is more likely to deter an encounter, and bears will be able to see, hear and smell you more easily. Hiking in a group also increases the odds that at least one person will be alert and notice a bear before a surprise encounter.
3. Make noise while hiking. Alert a bear to your presence before you have the chance to surprise it. Talk to your partners and occasionally sing loudly, yell “hello” or “whoop! whoop!” and clap your hands loudly to let any bears know you’re coming.
4. Avoid hiking at dawn, dusk and at night. These are the time periods when bears are most active. They’re often foraging or hunting during these times.
5. Never approach a bear, especially cubs. Watch out for sows (adult mother bears) with cubs. If you find a cub, or a pair of cubs, leave the area. Even if you don’t see the sow right away, they could be nearby, and they will be ready to protect their cubs.

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Some other important reminders are to always stay on the trail, make sure someone knows your hiking plans and carry bear spray if your park allows it.