A bear rests in the tree.

Approximately 150 black bears live in Voyageurs National Park. These bears symbolize the wilderness quality of northern Minnesota and can be a memorable wildlife observation. Unfortunately, each summer numerous human-bear incidents occur. While human injuries are rare, black bears can cause significant property damage. 

Voyageurs National Park tries to provide an environment where bears can live with minimal human interference. Please do your part. Help prevent bear problems by following the procedures below. Report human-bear incidents to park personnel as soon as possible.

Hang your food pack in tree 14 feet above the ground and 10 feet away from the tree.

Preventing Problems

When camping:

• Food must be properly stored in a park bear-proof locker or hung fourteen feet from the ground and four feet from a tree. Bear-proof food lockers hold two standard coolers.
• Put in a bear-proof locker or hang anything that has an odor (toothpaste, bug repellent, soap, garbage, etc.).
• Store or hang items that a bear might think is food, such as water jugs.
• Cook food away from your tent. Food odors on a tent may attract a bear.
• Clothes worn while cooking foods with strong odors should be stored or hung away from the tent.
• Store or hang all garbage, including shore lunch grease, empty cans and jars, aluminum foil and plastic wrap.
• Pack out your garbage when you leave; don't bury it.
• Dispose of fish entrails in deep water.
• Keep a clean site. Pick up food scraps and wipe off picnic tables.
• Don't camp at a site with recent bear sign. Report garbage strewn sites to a ranger.
• If a bear approaches your site, do not feed it. Frighten the bear by yelling, banging pans together or throwing rocks or sticks. Make sure the bear has an escape route. If the bear is persistent, pack up your food and trash and retreat slowly to a secure area.
• Report all human-bear incidents at a park visitor center.

When boating:

• Houseboaters should store food and garbage inside.
• Remember: Bears are excellent swimmers and "island hop" in search of food.
• Do not feed bears or any wildlife.
• Dispose of fish entrails in deep water.
• Pack out shore lunch grease in an old coffee can.

When at the cabin or staying at a resort:

• Keep coolers inside a vehicle or hardsided camper and out of sight and smell.
• Dispose of garbage in bear-proof dumpsters.
• Do not leave food as bait for any animals or leave food scraps on the ground.
• Keep pet food inside.
• Keep grills and picnic tables clean.
• If a bear approaches, attempt to scare it away. If it persists, move food and people inside a vehicle or cabin.
• Report human-bear incidents to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), resort owner or park ranger.

Anytime you see a bear:

• Do not feed it. 
• Change your direction, do not approach a bear. If it changes its natural behavior, woofs, snaps its jaws or slaps the ground, you are too close.
• Always leave an escape route for the bear.
• Never surround or corner a bear.
• Never run from a bear.
• Playing dead is not appropriate for black bear attacks. If a bear approaches you, act with mild aggression; yell and wave your arms. In the extremely rare case of a black bear attack, fight back using whatever is available.

This young black bear is standing to get a better look at the surrounding area.

BEAR BEHAVIOR

A bear is checking you out when...

• it stands on its hind legs to a get a better look;
• it waves its nose in the air to catch your smell;
• it gives low, non-aggressive grunting sounds.

A bear is getting upset when...

• it clacks its teeth;
• it gives an explosive blowing sound.

A bear is telling you to move away when it...

• blows loudly;
• makes short lunges and slaps the ground or an object;
• gives bluff charges that stop short of you.

Bluff charges and loud blowing are clear messages for you to leave the area.