In 1972, Michael Ober was a ranger in Glacier National Park when he came across a backpacker who had been mauled by a black bear. What he saw carries lessons for today's hikers.
For years, backpackers hung their food to keep hungry bruins at bay. But with trails getting more crowded—and bears wising up to our tricks—many experts say it's time to ditch the bear hang once and for all.
Our readers have a personal question for our bear columnist: What's that hump on your back for?
Every winter, bears tuck into their dens for their annual beauty sleep. But what happens if they wake up early?
Elizabeth Banks’s new film is the latest in a long line of films to turn bears into deeply inaccurate movie monsters. But that’s kind of the point.
Our resident bruin answers all your questions in 'Ask A Bear.'
Staying safe in bear country is important, but you know what’s more important? Looking cool in front of your friends.
Should you climb a tree to get away from a bruin? Do bear bells really attract bears? We tackle these questions and more.
Got a burning ursine question? Ask our resident bruin expert in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Can the most common bear deterrent work in heavy wind and sub-zero temperatures? A group of researchers set out to test it.
For many bears, winter means hibernate or die. Here's what they do to survive. Plus: how climate change puts newborn cubs in danger.
'Marking your territory' to keep bears away from your tent may seem like a smart idea. The reality: It does more harm than good.
The solo hiker used the deterrent and escaped with relatively minor injuries.
Grizzly and black bears have killed five people in North America over the last five months. Is this cause for concern?
Bear spray is a weapon, created to fend off one of the planet’s biggest predators. So you’d be surprised how many people think that they're supposed to spray it on themselves.
Bag, can, or locker? Here's what you'll need to use to keep your food safe from bears.
Strange noises outside your tent keeping you up at night? Learn to cope with your fear of bears.
Bear attacks on humans are exceedingly rare—but they do happen.
Can you eat a bear? Well, there's "can," and there's "should."
Sometimes, there's a lesson in tragedy. There certainly is here.
Bear Safety Gear for Every Scenario
Are bears dangerous? Not if you plan ahead. Learn to stay safe in bear country with these tips from researcher Tom Smith.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
It’s the job of some captive bruins in Montana to destroy coolers and garbage cans—all in the name of keeping people safe in bear country.
See if you have the knowledge to ID the lower 48's bruins.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Taking a dog on a bear-frequented trail heightens your risks. Stay out of trouble with these 5 tips for hikers with canine companions.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
While thousands of people flock to U.S. national parks each year in hopes of seeing a bear, spotting one out in its element is just another day in the office for some employees.
After a 30-year career managing an Alaskan wildlife sanctuary, Larry Aumiller's advice for keeping bears and people safe seems unconventional: get used to each other. Can he convince a society that still sees itself as the top of the food chain?
Mix up your bear calls with our expert suggestions.
Use seasonal clues to clinch bear sightings (or avoid encounters altogether).
Our resident bruin answers all your questions in 'Ask A Bear.'
Our resident bruin answers all your questions in 'Ask A Bear.'
How much do really know about our furry neighbors? Take our bear quiz and find out.
Yellowstone bear scientist Kerry Gunther has spent more time in grizzly country than most hikers ever will. He shares his tips for staying safe on the trail.
You've got questions. Our staff bruin has answers.
You've got questions. Our staff bruin has answers.
You've got questions. Our staff bruin has answers.
Want to get rid of your leftovers? And your car doors? And maybe your arm? Throw caution to the wind and invite a bear to dinner.
You've got questions. Our staff bruin has answers.
What does it take to research one of nature's most powerful creatures for a living? A good education and the tenacity of a mama grizzly.
Hiking where bears are present (that's more than 40 states) always requires precautions, like hanging food. But these three signals demand extra vigilance.
Could you beat a bruin in the 100-yard dash? Here's what your odds look like.
Learn how to stay safe in bear country from myth-busting scientist Tom Smith.
As she ripped the tendons out of my arm, I gasped in pain. It made her attack harder.
A reader visits a notorious site in Glacier National Park—and comes back with a story of his own.
Ted Knetchel, 62, was attacked by a grizzly in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness in southwestern Montana on September 14, 2012.
There's no evidence that more people are being attacked by bruins in the backcountry. But shifting visitor patterns could change that.
The agency's decision to euthanize a problem bear in 2015 angered some, but NPS biologist Kerry Gunther says it was the right call. Here's why.
Survives with stitches, staples.
Flees scene without removing outfit
Patty Miller, 71, was attacked by a grizzly on July 12, 2013, outside Babb, Montana.
After two years, something just didn’t seem right about his pups. Turns out the dogs are actually bears. Seriously.
Mike Gersack (35) and his wife, Shawna Ridge (38), were attacked by a grizzly near Big Sky, Montana, on May 13, 2011.
Here are some key skills every hiker should know before entering bear country.
Our resident grizzly breaks down his favorite moments when bears and hikers have crossed paths.
Pretty good.
All the safety tips you need to be "bear aware" in one convenient location
A bear canister with a built-in cooking pan and bowl -- for you, not the bear.
You love them. You fear them. And you misunderstand them. See more bears and learn about the surprising new thinking around hiker safety in this complete guide. By Ted Alvarez
Fast-paced family dice frenzy
With 1 million bears roaming North America, chances are pretty good that you'll cross paths with one of them at some point. To make every encounter safe, from grizzly bears to black bears, bone up on bruin identification and etiquette.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Bears, beers, and booze—our resident bruin expert tells all in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Got a burning ursine question? Ask our resident bruin expert in our new 'Ask A Bear' column.