Do you run a campsite?

Whether you are outside or inside a Protected Area, with small conscious actions you can help nature stay wild and help your community coexist with bears

READING TIME5 MIN

Whether you run a campsite with small conscious actions outside and inside a Protected Area, you can help nature to stay wild. Is it possible to camp and put the bears’ intelligence to the test? Yes, with adjustments to your daily routine and by investing in ideas and solutions. There is only one rule to follow: do not lure bears or teach them that it is possible to find food around us. Campsite managers have a responsibility to protect the safety of humans and bears. Although the probability of an attack is very low indeed, why should we play with safety?

Read this list of good practices and find the one(s) that suit you best:

In protected areas, wild camping is often prohibited or regulated. When visiting one, check with the authority about the rules to follow.

If you wild camp, cook and eat away from your tent, preferably at least 50 meters away.

Leave your camping area odor-free and, above all, do not leave food or other odorous substances (lotions, dog food, gasoline, waste) in your tent. If possible, store any sources of odor or food in your vehicle after use.

If it’s not possible, store food or lotions always away from your tent (at least 50 meters) and make them inaccessible to bears: try to hang everything on a beam about 4 meters above the ground, or use bear-proof containers (available for purchase online).

Do your stinky business away from your tent and always try to bury it with a small shovel. Avoid attracting curious animals around your tent. Do not leave shoes, clothes, or other belongings you care about outside your tent. Bears are not interested, but foxes, in particular, may take anything.

Do your business away from your tent and always try to bury it with a small shovel. Avoid attracting curious animals around your tent. Do not leave shoes, clothes, or other belongings you care about outside your tent. Bears are not interested, but foxes, in particular, may take anything.

For the future of the bear, every small action counts. Spread knowledge, raise awareness, make a difference.

Subscribe and spread the Carta dell’orso, become a true Bear Ambassador!