You are in Bear Country

Besides many herds of mountain goats, this area is also the home of grizzly bears. Although the grizzly bear prefers to live in open south facing low-alpine bowls, there are always times when you can encounter a grizzly in any other type of terrain. It is important that hikers make ongoing noise to warn a potential bear. If your noise is loud enough, so that a bear can hear it from a distance, then there is a very good chance that the bear will run away.

As you approach a blind curve in the trail, walk along a creek or through deep forests, your warning noise has to be frequently repeated. Bear-bells might work in some situations, but usually are not loud enough. The bear needs to know that the noise is coming from something large. Speaking loud or yodeling definitely gives lots of warning to the bear. Remember, the bear has little interest in meeting you, they want to be left alone and the more time a bear has to walk away, the more calm that bear will remain.

If you do have an unwanted close encounter with a grizzly bear, then it is important to instantly stand still and slowly retreat without hasty movements. Pick up small children and do not leave your pack behind. If you see a bear from a further distance, then it is important to evaluate if the bear is near your planned route or not. If the bear is too close to your planned hike, then it is best to turn around and change your destination.

At SME all guides carry noise-makers (pressurized air-horns). These air-horns are loud enough to affect your ears after a very few seconds in use. The sharp noise of these horns has a greater success-rate in scaring a bear away than any "bear-spray". Still, if possible we don't want to scare a bear away unless there is no other option. It is better to leave the bear alone if possible, slowly back off and change your hiking plans. SME has a number of these pressurized air-horns for self-guided guests to use.