Be bear Aware
BE BEAR EDUCATED
Hey Bear is an educational platform that has important information about how to live and travel within bear country. Our main mission is for everyone to feel more confident and educated to understand how to coexist with bears. Use this information as a tool and learn how to be bear aware and stay safe in bear country!
— BEAR SPRAY —
Bear Spray is a key tool while in the outdoors of bear country. Always have it on your person, know how to use bear spray and check trailheads for any bear activity. Bear spray is a life saving tool for you and the bear!
— IDENTIFYING BEARS —
Grizzly and black bears have similar features, but knowing the difference between their appearance, scat, tracks and markings is key when knowing what to do when encountering them in the wild.
— BEAR ENCOUNTERS —
Every encounter that happens between a human and a bear is different. There are two types of charges—bluff charges and aggressive charges. Being able to identify the charges will help you understand how to react.
— RECREATING IN BEAR HABITAT —
A beautiful aspect to visiting the Rockies is the accessibility to open trails and freeflowing rivers. Read up on tips on how to recreate safely and responsibly depending on what activity you enjoy in the outdoors.
— HOME/FOOD STORAGE —
While living in or visiting bear country, you have a responsibility when it comes to trash management. Know the proper ways to dispose of your trash and your area's trash requirements to help reduce human and bear conflicts.
— BEARS IN WINTER —
As the summer season ends, bears become more active. Preparing for hibernation is an intense time for bears; all they have on their mind is hunting and foraging for food. Once bears are hibernating, you still need to be aware as they can awake easily and may even look for more food.
— HOW NOT TO BE A "TOURON" —
Before you step into a national park you need to do research on the area. Research campgrounds, animals in the area, hiking trails and other points of interest. This is a great way to prepare for what you could see and how to be safe in the parks. Learn five easy ways to not be a “TOURON."
— FARMER & RANCHER BEAR SAFETY TIPS —
If you are a farmer or a rancher, you have probably experienced an instance of having bears on your property. Hey Bear offers tips on various ways to deter bears from your land and animals and how to stay safe.
— BEAR SAFETY & KIDS —
Hey Bear's main mission is to educate the public about bear safety. Education starts with children and the living in bear country basics. The best way for them to learn is to be outdoors, experiencing different adventures, taking in unique scenery and exploring new interests. Check out the resources we have provided for you little cubs.
— FOOD AVAILABILITY FOR GRIZZLIES —
Bears have a very interesting diet since they are a true lover of all food. As omnivores, they eat plants, insects, fish and animals. Bears roam through different habitats which makes it difficult to always eat meat. Plants and insects are reliable for the bears to depend on, often making up 90% of their diet.
— BEAR HABITAT —
Black bears thrive in a forested environment where they're able to find food sources, hunt and climb while staying hidden from predators. Grizzly bears like to roam in wide open spaces like prairies or foothills. They are an apex predator, making it less of a worry to be hidden.
— PET & BEAR SAFETY —
Everyone loves their four-legged friends. When on trails in bear country, however, it's important to know what to do to keep your pets and yourself safe in case of a bear encounter.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
RENT BEAR SPRAY
Hey Bear offers bear spray rentals in Big Sky for all your outdoor adventures. COMING SOON
Cubclub
Share bear safety tips with kids! Enjoy educational coloring pages, quizzes and more.
quick fact resources
A one page sheet with all the bear safety tips to share with renters, homeowners and businesses.