114: Bear Safety Tips!

Afraid of bears while exploring the national parks? You’re not alone! In this episode, we are diving headfirst into the hairy topic of bears in the parks. 

From close encounters to bear spray strategies, we’re tackling all your burning questions. Join us as we help you learn how to keep yourself (and your snack-sized children) safe in bear country! 

Join us as we discuss:

• Our heart-pounding close encounters with bears, and what we did (or almost did!) to avoid becoming a bear's snack
• Why your voice is the best bear deterrent, and why bear bells aren’t nearly as helpful as you might think
• Repeat after us: "Do not run, do not run, do not run!" Why this is the ultimate survival tip, even when a baby seal is involved
• How to keep the furry residents of national parks healthy by mastering the art of food storage
• Pro tips for spotting the difference between different types of bears
• The surprising reason why leaving food in your car is a recipe for disaster (and a bear-y inconvenient problem)
• The parks to visit if you really WANT to see a bear
• The power of bear spray and how it can save you from a close encounter of the furry kind
• Our tips for navigating bear country with kids, and why keeping them close is key
• The dos and don’ts of using bear spray safely and effectively

We hope you find these tips helpful while you’re out exploring the national parks. Trust us, the trails and the views are absolutely worth getting your black belt in bear skills. 

Don’t forget your task for today! We want to hear your bear stories! Bonus points if you include a picture. Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share!

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.