Ep. 5 Bear Safety with Kim Titchener

When we are getting outdoors, whether it’s hiking, biking, fishing, camping, or any other nature adventure, it’s important to remember that we are visitors in the homes of the wildlife who roam there.  

 

How much do you truly know about bears? Do you know how to avoid encounters? Do you know how to handle encounters you come across? 

 

Thankfully, Kim Titchener, owner of Bear Safety & More, gives us a rundown of what to do to protect ourselves and our families in bear territory. 

 

Some tips on the trail: -Keep children attended (do not let them run ahead) -Bear bells and music are not helpful -Use your voice regularly; more people are helpful for multiple tones of voices; the natural sounds of adventure, like branches cracking and footsteps is also helpful 

-Have a communication device with you (ie. Garmin inReach) -Each adult should have a can of bear spray (and know how to use it) 

 

Some tips before you hit the trail: -Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back -Let someone know your vehicle type and license plate -Explore with ID on you 

 

This episode also briefly touches on defensive versus non-defensive bear encounters, and how and when to safely back away, versus make yourself intimidating (and, of course, get your bear spray ready). 

 

Links: 

-Join the RecSafe with Wildlife Community for free today - www.bearsafety.com or www.recsafewithwildlife.com 

-Scat Belt - Thank you for being a wonderful sponsor - www.scatbelt.com -Garmin inReach - https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/561269 

Instagram Links: @bearconflicts @bearsafetyadventures @scatbelt