Bears: Always be respectful and cautious around Bears.

There are bears along the trail and sometimes on the beaches. Some people hike the trail and don't see bears and others do ... so it's hit and miss. If a bear is in your path ... stop and watch it ... maybe back up a bit so the bear knows you aren't going to crowd it. These are black bears, predominantly vegetarian, eating mostly grass, berries, etc. These bears are more opportunist than hunters or predators.

The bear will almost always move out when it sees you. They may hesitate and keep eating for a bit, so just let them know you are still there. I will usually whistle to let it know I am still waiting for it to move. You can move forward a bit at a time slowly and at that point they usually go. If the bear starts to walk in your direction slowly back track and he will probably head off on a side trail soon enough. He is not after you but just happens to be going in the direction that you are. Not a good idea to run. In the 13 years the park has been open we have never had a person attacked or mauled by a bear. Don't drop your pack because he may look through it for food. We have had bears tear open pack sacks that people left out or dropped in the path of a bear. We have also had bears go into uninhabited tents where people have left food.

It's very important for people to store food properly. Hang it high from the branch of a tree or store it in a bear cache. Bears are attracted to the smell of fruit, meat and most processed foods.

There are bear caches and poles to hang your food from in or near all camping areas. At the east end of Sombrio Beach the bear cache is gone. A winter flood and land slide took it out. That is also the preferable end of the beach to camp. In this case you would hang your food from a tree. There are lots of trees over hanging the beach. Most bear caches consist of a metal (tin) locker that opens at the front with a hinged door and latch.

 

1. Do not feed bears.
2. Do not try to have your picture taken close to or with a bear.
3. Do not try to get close to bears.
4. Do not approach a mother and cubs. Never approach or go near a cub.
5. Do not show loud aggressive behavior toward a bear.
6. Do not crowd a bear into a spot where it will feel cornered.
7. Make sure your food is stored properly.
8. If you have to leave your pack to do some beach exploration etc. make sure it is out of reach in a tree.
9. If you have a negative experience with a bear or there is bear behavior you think should be reported you can phone JDF Trail office 250 646 - 2431 or contact me through the contact link at the top of this page.

 

I have been working in the park for 3 years and have never had a negative incident with a bear. I have had countless sightings. At the same time always be respectful of bears.