It seems like bear encounters have been making the news more frequently lately. Just this week, a hiker in Glacier National Park suffered a broken arm after a surprise encounter with a grizzly bear on a popular trail. Earlier this season, several campgrounds and trails across North America reported temporary closures or warnings due to increased bear activity.
Of course, that’s not necessarily because bears are becoming more aggressive. Summer is when both people and bears are spending more time outdoors. More RVers are heading into national parks, national forests, and remote camping areas, and that means more opportunities for humans and bears to cross paths.
Most bear encounters end peacefully. A bear may wander through a campground looking for food, cross a trail ahead of hikers, or disappear into the woods before anyone gets more than a quick glimpse. Still, seeing a 300- to 600-pound animal up close tends to be the kind of experience people don’t forget.
Many RVers have a bear story. Maybe you’ve watched one stroll through your campsite at dawn. Perhaps you’ve spotted a mother bear with cubs from the safety of your vehicle. Some of you may have had a much closer encounter—one that got your heart pounding and left you checking over your shoulder for the rest of the day.
Then again, maybe you’ve spent decades camping and hiking and have never seen a bear at all. If that’s the case, there are probably plenty of readers who envy your luck!
We’re curious: Have you ever had a close encounter with a bear while RVing or camping?
After you vote, please leave a comment and tell us your story. What happened? Where was it? And did it make you more cautious—or just give you a great tale to tell around the campfire?
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RVT1264b
A bear up a tree in Yosemite just after rummaging through a campground, another along the side of a trail in Canada, lots along the road in Alaska, and fresh bear scat on a trail in Alaska- we turned back!
During hunting season. I think while camping the dogs presents have kept them at distance of being seen
We have had a bear in the campground on a few occasions. In 60+ years of RVing it has only happened twice. I have encountered them while fishing in Canada a few more times.
In about 20 years of hiking, 2 grizzlies and 2 black bears in 3 separate incidents, none of them close enough to pose any danger. In every case, the bear(s) saw us and made sure they stayed clear.
Yes, while motorcycle camping on Skyline drive I was awakened by a noise in a nearby tree.
Thinking it may have been a family of squirrels or other small animals, a small black bear came sauntering down the tree right behind my tent. Seems he just wanted a nice place to spend the night.
I backed off and watched as he woke up and just walked away.
I moved my tent away from that tree! Just in case.
Never encountered, but have seen bear poop. No hiking bells seen in the poop.