The Presence of Bears During Hiking Season
In Canada, BC doesn’t only stand for British Columbia but also Bear Country. Even though it’s an ongoing joke, the presence of bears is no laughing matter, especially for dog owners.
According to MetroVancouver, black bears are active between mid-March and November. Unfortunately, that covers the Spring and the fall. That’s when it’s actually the best time to enjoy the great outdoors with your dog.
Keep in mind that, in the springtime, bears are emerging from torpor. This is a near-hibernation state that helps them survive the harsh winter months. So, they’re driven by intense hunger. Then, throughout the fall, they’re still motivated by food. This time, it’s because they need to keep packing on the fat to prepare for another winter season.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Whether in Canada or any other bear country, bears are primarily driven by food. When a bear has exhausted a food source in a particular area, they will simply move on to another area. So, just because you haven’t seen a bear on a specific hiking trail, it doesn’t mean they won’t find their way there.
To avoid bear encounters with your dog, you need to avoid attracting them with scents. Bears can easily associate any smell with food. If you need to bring food, store it in airtight containers. Also, be aware of what bear food sources may be in the area. Berries and salmon are favourites! When these are around, avoid the area, or you might end up encroaching on their food source.
Dog vs. Bear = No Contest
Bears will typically defend any food source, particularly something as calorie-rich as pet food, garbage or birdseed. A dog that interrupts a bear’s dinner is asking for trouble. A person who comes between a defensive bear and an aggressive dog is putting their life at risk.
Wolves, coyotes, bobcats, eagles and male bears all prey on black bear cubs. To a mother bear, a barking dog is another potentially dangerous predator that means harm; if she cannot quickly or easily get her cubs to safety, she will defend them.
Bears can run faster than an Olympic sprinter for short distances; if you’re lucky, the bear will escape from your dog. If you’re not lucky, the bear will have to defend itself against your dog. Dog vs. bear seldom ends well for the dog. If you are very unlucky, the dog will realize it has picked a fight it can’t win, turn tail and run back to you. If the bear gives chase, you and the dog become one big problem the bear needs to neutralize so it can feel safe again.
Will my dog alert me of a bear?
Dogs can be an early warning signal, sensing bears or other wildlife that we may not be aware of. But they are not foolproof.
Isnardy cautions, “I have a husky mix myself and sometimes she sees wildlife before I do and sometimes I spot animals that she is unaware of. It is important not to rely too much on our pets for early warning and instead, make noise with our voice when we are on trails.”
What to do in a Bear Encounter (And How to Avoid One) || REI
Going for a walk with your dog is a great way to experience nature, but wild animal encounters can make nature dangerous. It’s important to know how to avoid wild animal attacks while walking your dog and what to do if an attack is unavoidable.
In general, making noise and putting bells on your dog’s collar can alert a wild animal to your presence and reduce the risk of confrontation. Carrying a weapon or repellent like bear spray is another way to protect yourself and your dog from animal attacks.
Your approach to a wild animal encounter will vary depending on which animal you come across. Here are a few animals you may encounter when walking your dog and how you should handle the situation.