Why Bears Aren't a Major Risk for RVers

Some people naturally worry about certain predators when they go RVing or take any other kind of trip into the wild, and one of the animals that's most frequently a concern here is the bear. However, we're here to reveal a truth that some people would do well to be aware of: Bear attacks are startlingly uncommon across the US, and they are not a major risk whatsoever for RVers, campers and other people in similar settings.

At Campers RV Center, we're happy to offer a huge range of new and pre-owned RVs for clients around Bossier City, LA and nearby areas - plus tips and expertise on all the various uses and trips our clients get out of our vehicles. Here are some basic stats and facts on why bear attacks are not major concerns like some people worry about, plus some very basic bear safety concepts to follow that will ensure you're absolutely never at-risk for any kind of bear attack or interaction during your RV trip.

Bear Attack Statistics Are Stunningly Low

First and foremost, it's vital to realize that your chances of being attacked by a bear in the wild are almost microscopically low. The National Park Service estimates these chances at roughly 1 in 2.1 million, making them essentially impossible if you consider the huge range of people who are out in the wild – campers, hikers, RVers and more.

Even when it comes to bears attacking humans within their natural habitats, reports indicate that less than 1% of all bear encounters end up resulting in any kind of attack. So while we certainly don't want to make light of the danger bears can pose, it's important to understand that any kind of bear encounter or attack is extremely unlikely.

Under 100 Fatal Attacks in Nearly Two Decades

From the years 2000 to 2017, per data published by AlaskaNewsSource, there were just 48 fatal bear attacks in the entire continent of North America. That's less than 3 per year on average, a number that barely increases when you include non-fatal attacks in the mix.

Therefore, when you look at the chain of all years since 2000, that's an average of just under 1 attack per year as far as fatality rates go – and that includes all of the time people spend in bear habitats, on hikes and more.

Therefore it's safe to say that if you take basic precautions when RVing or camping, you should have no worries about coming across a bear – and any interaction with them will likely be based solely on chance. With that said, our next few sections will go over some simple tips for avoiding even the extremely minor risk of a bear interaction or attack on your RV trip.

Bear Country Safety

While it's true that bear attack risks are incredibly low, they do go up slightly when you're actually in bear country, so it's important to make sure you take certain precautions and stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

For starters, make sure that any food or scented items are secured away from the campsite – this an absolute must when camping in bear country. Don't even bring such things like food wrappers, snacks or any other scented items into your tent overnight.

You'll also want to keep a safe distance from any bear that you do happen to come across, and use loud noises and shouting to make sure they know you're in the area. If it's possible at all to back away slowly, this is definitely the best approach – but try not to run and stay aware of the bear's movements.

Finally, if you do come across a bear in camping grounds or any other public area, make sure to inform authorities as soon as possible about its presence – this could help others down the line remain safe from potential encounters with the same animal.

Bear Spray

Just as a precaution, if you're truly worried about bear encounters on your RV trip, you may want to carry some sort of bear spray with you as a tool for self-defense in the event of an attack. Bear sprays contain capsaicin (hot chili pepper extract) and other chemicals that irritate bears when sprayed into their eyes or face – this can cause them to turn away, and it may prevent an attack even if one is imminent.

Make sure you understand how to use bear spray and practice using it before you go out into the wild and carry it on your travels. This type of product is incredibly effective when used in emergencies, and it could end up being a lifesaver should the worst-case scenario ever arise.

Pets on Leashes

If you know you're in bear country and you're bringing a pet on your RV trip, it's important that they are kept on a leash at all times. This will help prevent them from getting too close to any bears in the area and potentially provoking an attack.

On top of this, make sure that pet food is stored away securely and out of reach – this is essential to avoid attracting any inquisitive bears.

In summary, while bear attacks are incredibly rare and should not be a major concern for RVers or campers, it's still important that you take steps to ensure your safety such as carrying bear spray and keeping food items secure away from the campsite. Additionally, if you're bringing a pet, make sure they remain on a leash when in bear country and that their food is stored away.

 For more on this, or to learn about any of our RVs or campers for clients around Bossier City and nearby areas, speak to our team at Campers RV Center today.