Humans, in order to get away from other humans, are increasingly making their homes in rural and wooded areas. Unfortunately, these areas are already inhabited. Most of the new neighbors, such as deer or rabbits, nibble on the vegetable garden or the prized tulips but don't really pose a danger or cause serious damage. When the homeowner makes the decision to move into bear country there are some lifestyle changes to be made. Ursus horribilis, Ursus americanus, and Ursus thibetanus all need to be treated respectfully. Bears that repeatedly come into contact with people are called "problem bears" by wildlife biologists. After making a nuisance of themselves, they are relocated to remote areas far from their home at considerable expense to taxpayers. If the behavior continues, they are euthanized. The following is a brief guide on how to co-exist peacefully with the original inhabitants of your new subdivision.

Bearproofing Your Home

It's time to put that dog dish away. Bears have a keen sense of smell, and are attracted to anything that emits an odor. Things we take for granted: the pet food dishes by the backdoor, those garbage cans, that cute birdfeeder someone got for you last Christmas, can and do lure bears to your house. It is very simple to bearproof your home.

• Make sure all pet food is kept indoors. If your pets must carry that tasty bone outside, make sure you pick up after them.
• Keep all garbage cans in your garage. If you do not have a garage, most hardware stores carry bearproof garbage cans, or can help you obtain a set. These cans have special locking lids that prevent bears (or small nosy children) from getting into your trashcan.
• Do not hang birdfeeders, hummingbird feeders, squirrel feeders, or any other type of wildlife attractant outside your home. This also includes putting out corn and bread for hungry deer or having an open air compost pile.
• Keep your barbeque clean. Scrub down the grill after each use, and store it in your garage.

Trail Etiquette

Often, the places that people want to live in or go hiking at are the places that bears call home. Sometimes encounters are inevitable, especially at the end of summer and early fall. Bears are preparing themselves for hibernation by consuming as much as they can so they can live off their fat reserves over the winter months. This behavior is not unlike most humans we know. Just remember bears know humans are a threat. They are shy and will go out of their way to avoid any contact. But prepare yourself. Here are a few precautions you can take to avoid trouble.

• Make noise while you're walking. If the bears hear you coming, they will make a wide berth around you. Many sporting equipment stores sell "bear bells". These are bells that you can hang on your knapsack or walking stick. They provide enough noise so when you can't remember the lyrics to the Marsellaise at least there won't be absolute silence.
• Carry pepper spray. Don't panic, you probably will never have to use it. This weapon has been proven to repel attacking bears. The main ingredient is capiscin, the natural chemical that makes habanero and jalapeno peppers hot. Pepper spray irritates the eyes and causes breathing difficulties.¹
• Pack it in, pack it out. This is a trite saying you will see posted on signs along the trail, but it is true. If you leave wrappers from your lunch or toilet paper strewn about the forest floor, bears will be drawn to the area. Carry all of your garbage out of the woods with you.
• Keep any dogs under control. It is impossible to keep them on a leash at all times while hiking, but try not to let them wander too far ahead. They could encounter a bear and lead it back to where you are.

On camping trips bears, sleeping bodies, and food do not mix. Remember bears are attracted by odors. If you are staying in a tent, store all your food in a bag and hang it high from a tree at least twenty to thirty feet away from your campsite. Alternately, you can store your supplies in your car. Make sure the car is locked and all the windows are rolled up. DO NOT, under any circumstances, bring your food into the tent with you. A midnight snack is not worth the potential trouble it can cause. Some experts advise against having sex in the forest for the same reason.²

When A Bear Attacks

Bear attacks are an extremely rare event. As stated before, bears will go out of their way to avoid contact with human beings. You are more likely to win the lottery or die in a plane crash. Most attacks are human caused, whether by ignorance or malevolence. If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation, calm down and try to remember these tips:

• DO NOT RUN. This will trigger a bear's chase instinct. They can easily outrun a human.
• Talk to the bear in a soothing voice and slowly back away. Do not make eye contact and try to make yourself as unthreating as possible.
• Play dead. This is to be used as a last resort. Fall on the ground, lie in a fetal position, and make sure you cover your head with your hands to prevent any facial or head injuries. Remain completely still until the bear goes away.

Every year more bears are killed because of contact with humans. Sadly, most of these encounters did not have to happen. When we choose to build our homes in the midst of prime wildlife habitat, we need to be prepared to face the consequences and we need to take responsibility for our actions. By using common sense, needless deaths can be prevented. All that it takes is a minimum of effort on our part.