How to Not Get Killed by a Grizzly Bear in Yellowstone National Park

Just a week or so after my trip to the Yellowstone backcountry, a 57-year-old hiker was attacked and killed by a grizzly bear. The hiker was with his wife near Canyon Village in the center of the park, when the two came upon a mother grizzly and her cub. The woman was able to escape, but her husband was mauled to death by the enraged bruin. This sad story makes one reflect on the dangers of the wilderness, but their are many ways to minimize the danger of wild animals. Here are some tips to help you from ever being devoured by a hungry grizzly, or any other wild beast for that matter.

1. Everything smells like cupcakes.

If you are a bear your nose is thousands of times more powerful than a humans. That, coupled with the fact that you are 600 lbs of hungry omnivore, means that you can smell everything - and everything smells good. Every spilled drop of bear, or toothpaste in your fire pit, smell like a lovely treat to an insatiable bear. Pay attention to toiletries and other things you normally think of as safe. Always hang toothpaste, deodorant, lubricating jelly (that's why you came to the backcountry?!), first aid ointments, and gas camp canisters, which leak out a small amount of delicious butane. One of the most important thing to do in bear country is not make any smells. Always hang your food at least 20 feet up a tree, to help the scent drift harmlessly away. Also camp at least 100 yards from your campfire and your hanging food, just encase the smells still reach the bear, hopefully you'll be far enough away not become human jerky.

2. Shout. Let it All Out.

When you are traversing bear country the worst thing you can do is startle a bear, just ask 9 out of 10 bear attack victims, oh wait, you can't. So sing out for the love of life. Rap, yodel, beatbox, shout out to Ja, call, holler, sing, make noise. Clap your hands and play your harmonica. Let those bears know your coming, so they get out of your way before it's too late. Pay special attention to any blind corners, never go through an area before your voice has already echoed through.

3. Bear spray. Never leave camp without it.

Not only should you always carry bear spray when in the Yellowstone backcountry, but you should be prepared to use it. Many people get the spray, then secure it beneath a few bungies on the back of their back. What the hell are you going to do when the bear charges! Take your pack off and undo the cords? No. Your going to get eaten. You paid $40 for the stuff, and you carried it all the way from Hodonk Mississippi, so you might as well use it. Always secure your bearspray where you can pull it faster than Billy the Kid did his six shooter. Right near your chest, on an easily detachable or maneuverable connecting piece. Also make sure you know how to use the bear spray, don't think you will have time to read the instructions while a pissed off grizzly is about to shoulder check you.

4. Don't be an idiot.

The final, and perhaps most important rule to staying safe in bear country is to not be an idiot. Hard for some to accomplish I know, but this single rule will protect you more than all the others combined. Bears typically attack under one of four circumstances; they are startled at close range, they are defending their cubs or a kill, or they are harassed. Don't do those things and you're golden. Pay attention to where you're at in the backcountry. If you step in a big steaming mess of poo with a elk jaw in it, you had better be careful. Do not approach a bear for any reason. If you see a bear, hope it doesn't see you, and get out of the area. So what if you have to walk off the trail and add an hour to your hike? Better than getting Timothy Treadwelled because you're lazy and careless.

What advice do you have for staying safe in bear country?

This is a great source for info on bear safety, check it out!

http://www.bearsmart.com/

Info on the recent bear attack...

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=14015725