Ursus Americanus, the American Black Bear, is a resident of the Boundary Waters and Quetico. A magnificent mammal, Black Bears have high intelligence and learn quickly. They have color vision, acute hearing, and a keen sense of smell. Canoe Country bears usually weigh between 250 and 325 pounds.

While Black Bears have razor-sharp claws and very strong jaws with menacing-looking fangs, their diets generally consist of vegetarian fare such as fruits, nuts and grass. However, they are technically carnivores, and do feed on grubs, ants, bees, snakes, mice and birds.

Not to be confused with the more dangerous grizzly bear, which is not found in the Boundary Waters and Quetico, Black Bears not only come in black, but also brown and cinnamon colors.

Healthy Black Bear Awareness

A healthy awareness of Black Bears is important when camping in the Boundary Waters. Over the years, very, very few people have been attacked, much less killed by Black Bears anywhere in the U.S. Nonetheless, certain precautions should be taken while camping and portaging in the Canoe Country wilderness.

Campsite Precautions

When choosing a campsite in the BWCA and Quetico, look for traces of recent bear activity. This includes paw prints, bear scat, and strewn garbage. After confirming that there has been no recent bear activity, set up camp with these rules in mind.

·      Use the “bear-muda triangle” when setting up camp. There should be 70 big steps between tents, food prep area and food / bear bag storage.

·      Properly hang food bags when not in use. Never leave camp when food is not properly stored.

·      No food or “smellables” in tents….ever! Smellables include non-food items such as toothpaste, soap, etc. Even water bottles that have had flavored drinks in them in the past should not be in your tent.

·      Never feed a bear.

Portaging Precautions

It is very rare but certainly possible to run into a Black Bear while portaging in the Boundary Waters. After all, bears like using worn paths as much as humans. Take these precautions while portaging.

·      Portage in groups, particularly if in more remote, less used areas.

·      Keep an eye ahead of you, particularly when you round corners on the portage trail.

·      Try to make some noise as you portage. Talking and singing are good ways to let a bear know you are on the trail.

·      Keep dogs on leashes during portages.

Should You Encounter a Black Bear

While unlikely, you may have a bear wander into your campsite or you may run into a bear on the portage trail. Do Not Panic! Remember to do the following.

·      Remain calm and move slowly.

·      If the bear is cornered, back away slowly. Do not turn your back to the bear.

·      Try to maintain at least 15 feet between the bear and you.

·      Leash your dog and round up the kids. Even put a small child on your shoulders to make you look bigger to the bear.

·      Make lots of noise. Bang pots, yell, sing loudly. Wave your arms, too.

·      Do not run, even if the bear charges you. Black Bears often bluff charge. If you run, the bear may consider you as prey and actually attack. Bears can run 30 mile per hour and climb trees.

·      Finally, should a bear actually attack you (again, very, very unlikely), fight back. Hit it with a stick or throw rocks at it.

Remember, these rules relate to Black Bears found in the Boundary Waters and Quetico. If you are in grizzly bear country, make sure you know those proper precautions.

Boundary Waters Wildlife

The Boundary Waters is special for many reasons, including the BWCA wildlife you will encounter. Black Bears are part of that. You may never see a Black Bear in the BWCA, but if you do, consider yourself lucky and know how to handle the situation.

Paddle On. Be Free.