Encountering Wolves in the Backcountry
Wolves do not normally pose a threat to people hiking or camping. If you encounter a wolf in the wild, for the most part you can relax and watch from a distance.
However, in some cases, wolves may warrant extra caution. For example, wolves may view a dog as a competitor, particularly during breeding season. If you travel where wolves are present with a dog, keeping the dog leashed and by your side is recommended.
Further, wolves may become food-conditioned by scavenging around campsites. Food-conditioned wolves may become bold, approach in daylight and act unafraid of people. Behavior may include aggressive body language, baring of teeth, and growling.
If you do feel threatened or the wolf is behaving aggressively or oddly, follow these tips:
- Do not run.
- Gather the group together and pick up small children.
- Try to appear as large and dangerous as possible.
- Back away slowly.
- Wave your arms and shout.
- Carry bear pepper spray and use it if a wolf approaches or threatens you. Fight any aggressive action with a large stick, rock, or your fists, aiming for the animal’s eyes and nose.
Proper Storage of Food and Garbage
Venturing into the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains is a rewarding experience. But in places where black bears and grizzlies roam, be prepared to store your food so that bears and other wildlife cannot get to it. In many areas, doing so is required by law.
Several options can keep food, garbage, domestic animal feed, and game meat out of reach.
Bear Poles
A bear pole is a horizontal log staked between two upright trees, 20 feet above the ground, used to store food or carcass of a game animal. To use a bear pole, throw a rope (at least 50 feet) over the pole, tie it to what you’re storing, and hoist the load up. Game hoists are useful aids to assist in hanging carcasses.
Bear boxes
At some campsites, heavy steel boxes are available for storing food. These boxes must be latched properly to prevent bears from opening them.
Bear-resistant canisters
Portable canisters certified as “bear resistant” by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee are helpful for those traveling on foot or horseback. These canisters come in a range of shapes and sizes and are very useful for backcountry travel.
View our list of backcountry hoists, cannister, and pannier sources
Carrying and Using Bear Pepper Spray
The following information is provided by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee:
How to use bear pepper spray
Each person working or recreating in bear habitat should carry bear pepper spray. Bear pepper spray should be carried in a readily accessible manner such as in a hip or chest holster. In your tent, keep bear pepper spray available next to your flashlight. Bear spray should also be available in your cooking area.
To use bear spray:
- Remove safety clip
- Aim slightly down and towards the approaching bear. Adjust angle for wind direction.
- Spray a brief shot when the bear is 50 feet away.
- Spray again if the bear continues to approach.
- Once the animal has retreated or is busy cleaning itself, leave the area as quickly as possible, but do not run. Alternately, go to an area of safety, such as a car.
Remember:
- Bear pepper spray should be used as a deterrent only in an aggressive or attacking confrontation with a bear.
- Bear pepper spray is only effective when used as an airborne deterrent sprayed as a cloud at an aggressive animal. It should not be applied to people, tents, packs, other equipment or surrounding area as a repellent.
Additional Resources
Recreation
Download Recreating in Bear, Wolf and Mountain Lion Country_Living With Wildlife Foundation
(Living with Wildlife Foundation)
Be Bear Aware (Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks)
Wolves and Human Safety (Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks)
Garbage Management
Download Techniques and Refuse Management Options for Residential Areas, Campgrounds, and Group-Use Facilities
(Living with Wildlife Foundation)
