Coexisting with our black bear neighbors is a way of life in the mountains. Whether you’re at home in Cashiers or exploring the nearby national forests, following these basics helps keep both you and the bears safe.
At Home: Keep Bears Wild
* Secure Food & Trash: Never leave pet food, trash, or recycling outside. Store garbage in a garage, sturdy shed, or bear-resistant container until pickup day.
* Remove Bird Feeders: When bears are active, take down bird and hummingbird feeders; they are high-calorie "bear candy" that attract them to your porch.
* Clean the Grill: Scrape off grease and food particles after every cookout and store the grill in a secure area.
Outdoors: Be Bear Aware
* Stay Alert & Together: Hike in groups and make noise—talk, sing, or clap—to avoid surprising a bear. Keep your earbuds out so you can hear your surroundings.
* Leash Your Dogs: Unleashed dogs are a leading cause of bear encounters. Keep them on a short leash to prevent them from provoking a bear.
* Store Gear Properly: At campsites, store all food and scented items like toothpaste in hard-sided bear canisters or the locked trunk of a vehicle.
If You Encounter a Bear
* Do Not Run: Running can trigger a bear's natural instinct to chase.
* Give Them Space: If you see a bear, back away slowly while facing it. Ensure the bear has a clear escape route.
* Stand Your Ground: If a bear approaches, make yourself look large by raising your arms and yelling loudly until it leaves.
* Fight Back: In the extremely rare event of a black bear attack, do not play dead—fight back aggressively with any object available.
