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Respect Wildlife

Black bears are a common animal in the Superior National Forest. Seeing a bear at a distance can be a wonderful experience, but having one at your campsite can be a problem. 

Remember, "A fed bear is a dead bear"! Bears who learn that campers and campground garbage containers are food sources may become nuisance animals which need to be removed for public safety. 

Learn the following rules of camping in bear country, and practice them every time you camp or picnic. 

Avoid Attracting Bears

Store and Dispose of Food and Food Waste

Storing Food

Yes, some bears recognize coolers left in sight, and some can open vehicle and camper doors or break screens or glass to get to food!

  • Never leave food or coolers unattended;
  • Where bear-proof containers are not available, store food and garbage inside a vehicle or camper trailer; or hang it at least 10' off the ground.
  • Never store food inside your tent;
  • Wipe tabletops clean before vacating your site;
  • Taking food and trash with you when you leave
  • Hanging food and trash from a tree, out of a bears reach, when camping

Dispose of Waste

  • Clean fish and game away from campsites.
  • Keep a clean site by properly disposing of food scraps and garbage;
    • Put trash in the bear-resistant trash can provided.
    • Keep garbage stored with food, or take immediately to the bear resistant dumpster at the campground.  
    • Do not leave food or garbage inside fire rings, grills or around your site
    • Dispose of waste in bear secure dumpsters.
  • Never burn garbage.
  • Secure dumpsters properly after using them. Shutting the lid is not enough, use the bars or chains provided.

If a bear enters your campsite or nearby area

  • If a bear is observed nearby, pack up your food and trash immediately;
  • If a bear approaches you, move away slowly and get into a vehicle or secure area.
    • Do not run, don’t gather your food up.
    • If the bear approaches, continue to face the bear, and slowly back away.
    • If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by shouting and taking an aggressive stance.

Backcountry Sites

How to Hang Food

Hanging food will help keep foraging animals from getting into your food, and will keep wildlife from becoming accustomed to human/pet food. These images are examples of how to hang food to avoid wildlife getting into it.

Below are some graphics showing the different methods available. Or watch this video from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

the clothesline and pulley method in graphic form
graphic showing using a single branch
graphic showing how to hang food using a single tree.
graphic showing clothesline method

Backcountry Camping

Camping away from your vehicle requires that you use different methods to store food and garbage.  We recommend that you hang food as illustrated in the graphics or use a bear resistant food container stored away from your tent.

  • Hang food, garbage and anything with strong odors (toothpaste, bug repellent, soap, etc.) at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from a tree or limb; or use special food storage boxes and cable systems if available;
    • In areas with no large trees, a bear resistant food container should be used.*
  • Eat and cook food at least 100 yards away from your tent; do not sleep in the clothes you cook in;
  • Avoid camping and hiking alone in backcountry;
  • Make noise to avoid surprising a bear;
  • Never approach a bear or other wild animal;
  • Keep dogs and other pets on a leash or in your tent, or leave them at home;
  • Do not hike in the dark;
  • If a bear approaches you, back away slowly; do not run;
  • Carry EPA registered bear pepper spray;
  • Pack out trash; do not bury it.

* Most food barrels sold for camping are not bear resistant!  Be sure the manufacturer says that it is bear resistant container.

Hiking Trails

  • Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return;
  • Hike with a group;
  • Carry EPA registered bear pepper spray;
  • Read all signs at the trailhead;
  • Keep children close at hand;
  • Make your presence known by making some noise;
  • Hike during daylight hours and stay on the trail;
  • Watch for bear signs: scat, claw marks, digging, logs or stumps torn apart, etc;
  • Avoid taking pets; they may attract bears to you. If you take your pet, make sure they are on a leash.

When to Report A Bear Encounter

Times to Report A Bear

  • The bear entered your campsite
  • The bear was aggressive towards you or your pets on a trail
Contact an Office

When Not to Report a Bear

  • Bear has NOT entered the campground
  • When the bear is over 100 yards away and not showing signs of aggression.

Who to Report Encounters To

  1. Campground Host or Office if there is one
  2. Ranger District Station for the campground you are staying at
  3. Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer - IF there is a need for immediate action and you cannot reach a campground host or Forest Service employee.

Information Needed For Bear Reports

  • Date of encounter
  • Campground or campsite
  • Brief description of the encounter
  • Name and contact information (optional)

Additional Resources

Special thanks to the Center for Wildlife Information and BeBearAware.org for this information. Visit  www.bebearaware.org  for more safety tips concerning bears.

Last updated May 6th, 2025

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