Bear Aware, 4th: The Quick Reference Bear Country Survival Guide

Heading into bear country can seem frightening . . . but it doesn't have to be. This handy, packable guide will show you preventive measures that can reduce your chances of coming across a bear and techniques that can minimize your risk of being injured. With Bear Aware you'll learn how to safely hike and camp in bear country, store food to keep campsites bear free, and handle close encounters. The book also offers special precautions for hunters, anglers, mountain bikers, trail runners, outfitters, photographers, vacationers, and cabin owners, and provides specific regulations for the national parks.

This guide contains advice on:

Instead of taking fear with you, take Bear Aware.

[quote from book]

"Knowledge is the best defense against bears. Outdoors people who know about bears have already taken the vital first step. They know what kind of equipment to bring, how to set up camp, when and where to hike and be more careful, and which bear and human behaviors increase the chance of an encounter. And the well informed can more easily deal with any encounter."

Updated and revised guide filled with helpful tips on traveling and camping in bear country.

Look inside for the latest information on:

Safety precautions for outings in bear country

Common outdoor and camping gear that can attract bears

Erroneous myths about bears, plus the real facts

Handling offensive and defensive encounters, and knowing the difference

Expert recommendations on when - and how - to play dead and when to fight back