Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV, few things are scarier than a bear attack.
One couple found out the hard way when an unwelcome guest came knocking at a North Carolina campground.
While they were unharmed, their fifth wheel didn’t make it out unscathed. Today, we’re looking at the bare necessities of surviving scary bear encounters.
Let’s get going!
Campers Endure Scary Bear Encounter as Their RV Is Destroyed
Gorges State Park is one of the most peaceful and picturesque spots in southwestern North Carolina. Unbelievable waterfalls and forests blanket the Transylvania County preserve. And although it’s certainly rustic, it’s not a common place for unwanted nighttime visitors.
On November 1st, though, a scary bear attack changed everything.
The photos are disturbing. You can see a Wildwood X-Lite camper with the siding ripped off and plywood sheathing exposed. On close inspection, it’s clear that there was less than an inch between the hairy beast and the couple’s belongings.
Thankfully, according to social media posts by the state park staff, the couple wasn’t inside when Yogi came knocking. Following the incident, the North Carolina State Parks declared the campground off-limits to visitors for two weeks. In the interim, they worked on implementing bear aversion tactics.
Neither bear nor people suffered during this unfortunate event. But moments like this bring up important questions about what to do when this occurs and how we prevent similar run-ins.
What Is the Range of Black Bears in North America?
Because most Americans live in cities, they’re not used to sharing habitats with large predators. But exploring the great outdoors can put you at risk for scary bear encounters. Understanding where you might see these lone foragers can help you take precautions to avoid them.
Looking at the damage in the photos posted online, you’d be forgiven for assuming a grizzly caused it. But they don’t roam the forests of North Carolina. Instead, the humble black bear was to blame.
Adults range from four to six feet long and weigh between 130 and 660 pounds for males. Females are smaller and only lug 90 to 175 pounds around with them. Primarily foragers, they look for food wherever they are. And they’re particularly hungry leading up to winter hibernation.
These mammals live in forests and mountain ranges around the United States and Canada. On the East Coast, their habitat follows the Appalachian Mountains and stretches from northern Georgia to Newfoundland.
Most of the time, these skittish creatures are happy to run at the first sign of humans. But when hungry or curious, they may cross boundaries we’d prefer to keep.
Did you know Bear Attacks Continue in This National Park?
Why Would a Bear Attack Your RV?
Bears are almost always ready for their next meal, which can lead to some scary moments. Because of their acute sense of smell, they can detect edible items through metal, plastic, and wood. If they think there’s something nice to eat in your camper, they’re more inclined to come in for a bite.
More clever than just about any predator, they can also pick locks and open doors. This is why you’ll find bear-proof containers that even people struggle to open. They won’t come after you when you’re enjoying your dinner, though. They tend to wait until after.
Keep your camping area clean of all food items. Everything from trash to dirty dishes practically begs bears to investigate. Even heavily scented items, including toiletries and cleaning supplies, bring these critters to your yard.
Whether you have a wastebasket in your backseat or a full turkey dinner in your RV, you’re asking for trouble.
How to Avoid a Scary Bear Encounter
With all that in mind, don’t cancel your trip to the woods just yet. People and black bears can coexist if you take some precautions. Here are a few top tips to stay safe in the wild.
Avoiding Bears in Camp
You’re most likely to have scary bear encounters if you’re not taking the proper steps. Food is their biggest weakness, including trash, so pay attention.
Many campgrounds in these areas have food lockers and special garbage cans with latches designed to keep curious critters at bay. Camper Report recommends that you secure all consumables in these containers.
After meals, thoroughly clean up around your site. Even the smallest crumbs can attract one of these scavengers. They’re also drawn to the smell of citronella. If you use candles to deter mosquitos, lock them up at night.
Finally, leave your scented body products and cleaning supplies at home. The last thing you want to do is lure them to your campsite for something that isn’t even edible.
Above all, remember that you’re in their home. By failing to keep your space tidy and temptation-free, you’re putting them at risk.
Join the CAMPING GADGET DEBATE: Can a Bear Bell Really Save Your Life?
Avoiding Bears While Hiking
It might sound odd, but you’re less likely to encounter bears on a hike than in your campsite. If you’re doing things right, they’ll hear you coming and take off before you’re close.
Hiking in groups is much safer than walking alone. You’ll probably chat with your fellow hikers, and that’s usually enough to scare critters away. It’s a good idea to holler “Hey bear!” or other phrases so they know you’re not a snack.
Clapping, singing, and knocking trekking poles together also works.
Carrying bear spray is a necessity when out on mountain trails. It’s one of the only proven ways to stop an aggressive creature reliably. And whatever you do, don’t buy bear bells. They’re not loud enough to alert them in most forested areas.
What Should You Do in a Scary Bear Situation?
Black bears are naturally curious, even in scary situations. But they won’t approach you unless they’re starving or with cubs. While larger predators like grizzlies might leave you alone if you play dead, smaller creatures are likely to investigate.
If you see one up close, there are a few things to do to increase your odds of survival.
Talk calmly and identify yourself so they know you’re a human. Don’t run or turn your back. Wave your arms and make yourself as big as possible. Get your spray ready and deploy it when they’re around 20 to 30 feet away. Ideally, this should be enough to scare them off. But if it’s not, you’ll need to plan your next move.
Shelter in a car or building if you can. However, if that’s not an option, resist the urge to run. After all, bears can quickly reach speeds of 30 miles per hour.
Instead, fight back and aim for the muzzle and face to scare them off.
Get your defensive spray before you head into bear country: SABRE Frontiersman 7.9 oz. Bear Spray.
Don’t Poke the Bear!
Unfortunately, scary bear encounters are becoming more common than in the past. As we invade their habitats, they must adapt to survive. In many ways, we’re the problem, not them.
To protect our natural heritage, take steps to keep them away from your campsite and RV. Otherwise, you could end up on the Gorge State Park Facebook page!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: