Bear Bells for Hiking – Do They Really Work?
What are bear bells?
“Bear bells” are small devices that emit a ringing sound when they are moved, which is intended to warn curious bears of your presence and help avoid an encounter. But do bear bells work?
There is no definitive answer, as there is little scientific research on the subject. Some bear experts say that the noise made by bear bells can be ineffective in deterring bears, as the sound is often too faint to be heard by a bear at a distance. Additionally, wind and other environmental factors can impact the sound of bear bells, making them even less effective.
So, while bear bells may not be a guaranteed method of avoiding an encounter with a bear, they could still be helpful in some situations. If you do choose to use bear bells, be sure to also take other precautions, such as making noise and staying aware of your surroundings.
Coghlan’s Bear Bell with Magnetic Silencer
4.6
- Bell with magnetic silencer rings warning of your presence to bears and other animals when moving around, hiking, or walking outside
- Magnet in bag eliminates noise when not in use
- Attaches to clothing, boot, hat, daypack and backpack with a hook and loop closure
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08/16/2022 12:02 am GMT
How to use bear bells
If you do decide to use bear bells for hiking, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, attach the bells to your clothing or backpack so that they make noise with every step you take. Second, make sure the bells are loud enough to be heard at a distance. And finally, don’t rely on bear bells alone – take other precautions as well, such as making noise and staying aware of your surroundings.
Are bears afraid of bells?
No, they aren’t afraid of bells. Bears have an acute sense of hearing and can detect sounds from up to two miles away. The ringing of a bear bell may be enough to startle a bear that is close by, but it is unlikely to deter a bear that is far away or not paying attention.
Bears won’t hear the bells until you’re too close.
National Park Service
Bear Country Safety Tips
Before leaving for the woods, learn about bear-related regulations. Many parks require bear canisters, but others do not. The rangers at Grand Teton National Park encourage bear sprays when visiting the parks.
Besides Yosemite, where only black bears live, bear spray isn’t allowed. Also, make sure bear poles and metal lockers for food storage, are located at backcountry campsites when you’re camping. This allows you to make an informed decision about how you’re choosing your gear.
There are a few things you can do to avoid a dangerous encounter with a bear in the first place.
Keep an eye out for perfect bear habitat. Bears seek out habitats that allow them to feed, rest, and sleep comfortably—for example, thick bushes and heavy tree stands. Also be cautious of elements that may readily conceal a bear, such as tall trees, gulleys, and boulder fields.
Avoid hiking areas where bears are known to frequent, such as berry patches and carcasses.
Be on the lookout for locations where you could run into a feeding or sleeping bear. Bears will be foraging during the late summer and fall, which can make it more difficult for them to spot you. Look out for large swaths of blooming plants or fruit-bearing plants, such as berries. Bears that are eating or drinking may hide in tall vegetation.
And finally, keep your camp meals, scented items, and garbage stored securely in bear canisters, so to not attract bears.
What to do if you see a bear
If you do see a bear, do not panic. Do not approach it and do not run away – both will trigger the bear’s natural predatory instincts.
Instead, stay calm, give it a wide berth, and slowly back away while making noise to let the bear know you are there. If the bear continues to approach, stand your ground and make yourself as big as possible by raising your arms or opening your jacket.
You can try clapping your hands or yelling in a loud voice. If the bear does not go away, continue backing away and try to put something between you and the bear, such as a tree or large rock.
If the bear continues to approach, stand your ground and make yourself as big as possible by raising your arms or opening your jacket. Only use bear spray if the bear is close, you feel threatened, or in the case of a charging bear.
Try to give the bear plenty of space and do not approach it. If the bear does not see you or is not interested in you, then it will likely move on.
Bear safety tips
In addition to using bear bells, there are a few other things you can do to avoid an encounter with a bear:
- Make noise while hiking – sing, clap your hands, or carry a whistle.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and look for signs of bears, such as fresh tracks or scat.
- Hike in a group of four or more. A bear encounter is less likely to occur if you go hiking with others. Bears are more likely to be deterred by the presence of a larger number of people, and they will be able to see, hear, and smell you better. Hiking in a group also raises the chances that at least one person will be aware and see a bear before they are surprised by one.
- Avoid trail running in bear territory is strongly NOT ADVISED. You do NOT want a bear to attack you because you surprised it.
- Avoid starting a hike at dawn or dusk. Bears are especially active at this time.
Where to buy bear bells
Most bells can be purchased at most outdoor stores or online retailers. Before you buy, consider the size of the bell and the volume of the sound it emits. You also want to make sure the bell is loud enough to be heard at a distance.
Alternatives to using bear bells
SABRE Frontiersman Bear Horn
4.2
- 115dB horn and can be heard up to 0.5 miles (805 meters) away
- 60- ¼ second bursts provide multiple uses
- On/Off feature helps to prevent the horn from being accidentally deployed
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/16/2022 12:02 am GMT
Bear horns and air horns are two alternatives to bear bells that can be more effective in deterring bears. A bear horn emits a loud, piercing sound that can be heard at a distance, making them more likely to actually deter a bear. Air horns work in a similar way, but they are powered by compressed air, so they do not require batteries. Both bear horns and air horns can be purchased at most outdoor stores or online retailers.
Bear repellent is another option that can be used to deter bears. Bear repellent is a type of bear spray that, when sprayed, creates a dense cloud of irritants that can cause temporary blindness and difficulty breathing.
If you don’t want to use bear bells, there are a few other options. First, you could try making noise while you hike – sing, clap your hands, or carry a whistle.
Do bear bells attract mountain lions?
While there is no guarantee that bear bells will deter mountain lions, they may help to make you less attractive as prey. Mountain lions are attracted to silent, solitary targets, so making noise and hiking in groups can help to reduce your risk of an encounter.
Final Words
If you plan to use bear bells for hiking alone or in a group, you should also take some other safety precautions, such as making noise and staying aware of your surroundings. Additionally, bear horns or air horns can be more effective in deterring bears than bear bells. And finally, bear repellent is another option that can be used to ward off bears.
Have you encountered a bear? Leave us a comment below on how you scared off the bear.
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