How to Behave in a Bear Hide and on the Way There

Observing bears in the wild is an extraordinary experience, but it requires discipline and respect for nature. Bears are highly sensitive to human presence, and any disturbance can alter their natural behavior or even cause dangerous situations. To ensure a safe and ethical wildlife experience, follow these essential guidelines.

1. On the Way to the Hide

• Move Quietly – Avoid loud conversations, unnecessary noise, or sudden movements that might alert the bears before you even reach the hide.

• No Phones or Music – Keep your phone on silent mode and refrain from making calls or playing music. Sound travels far in the wilderness and can scare animals away.

• No Strong Scents – Do not wear perfumes, deodorants, or other strong-smelling cosmetics. Bears have an excellent sense of smell, and unnatural scents may disturb them or deter them from approaching.

• Follow the Guide’s Instructions – The guide knows the area and the bears’ behavior. Always follow their directions to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals.

2. Inside the Hide

• Stay Seated and Silent – Avoid unnecessary movement, whisper if you must communicate, and do not shift chairs or equipment noisily.

• Do Not Touch the Glass – Keep a safe distance from the viewing windows. Pressing against the glass can create reflections or unnatural movement that might alert the bears.

• No Knocking or Tapping – Do not tap or knock on the glass to get a bear’s attention. This is highly disruptive and unethical.

• Keep All Lights Off – No flashes, torches, or illuminated screens. Sudden bright lights can startle the bears and negatively impact their behavior.

• No Eating or Unpacking Loudly – Avoid making noise with food packaging. If you bring snacks, ensure they are in silent, resealable containers.

• No Smoking – Smoking is strictly forbidden inside and around the hide. The smell is unnatural and may keep the bears away.

3. Ethical Behavior and Safety

• Never Try to Approach a Bear – Do not attempt to get closer to the animals under any circumstances.

• Do Not Feed the Bears – Feeding bears directly is highly irresponsible and can cause them to associate humans with food, which can lead to dangerous situations for both people and the animals.

• Be Patient – Wildlife viewing is not a zoo experience. You may need to wait for a long time before the bears arrive. Enjoy the quiet and the opportunity to observe nature at its purest.

• Exit Only When Allowed – Stay in the hide until the guide signals that it is safe to leave. Exiting too soon can startle the bears and ruin the experience for others.

4. What to Wear and Bring

• Dress for the Season – You may be sitting for hours in one spot. Wear warm, layered clothing in cooler seasons and breathable fabrics in warmer months.

• Comfortable, Silent Footwear – Choose hiking boots or insulated shoes that provide both comfort and silence when walking.

• Minimal Gear Movement – If bringing cameras or binoculars, ensure they are packed in padded cases to prevent clattering.

Final Thoughts

Respecting these rules not only increases your chances of witnessing bears in their natural habitat but also contributes to wildlife conservation. Ethical wildlife watching prioritizes the well-being of the animals over personal satisfaction. Let’s all be responsible observers and leave nature undisturbed!