Exploring the National Parks

114: Bear Safety Tips!

Listen Later

Afraid of bears while exploring the national parks? You’re not alone! In this episode, we are diving headfirst into the hairy topic of bears in the parks. 

From close encounters to bear spray strategies, we’re tackling all your burning questions. Join us as we help you learn how to keep yourself (and your snack-sized children) safe in bear country! 

Join us as we discuss:

  • Our heart-pounding close encounters with bears, and what we did (or almost did!) to avoid becoming a bear's snack
  • Why your voice is the best bear deterrent, and why bear bells aren’t nearly as helpful as you might think
  • Repeat after us: "Do not run, do not run, do not run!" Why this is the ultimate survival tip, even when a baby seal is involved
  • How to keep the furry residents of national parks healthy by mastering the art of food storage
  • Pro tips for spotting the difference between different types of bears
  • The surprising reason why leaving food in your car is a recipe for disaster (and a bear-y inconvenient problem)
  • The parks to visit if you really WANT to see a bear
  • The power of bear spray and how it can save you from a close encounter of the furry kind
  • Our tips for navigating bear country with kids, and why keeping them close is key
  • The dos and don’ts of using bear spray safely and effectively

    • We hope you find these tips helpful while you’re out exploring the national parks. Trust us, the trails and the views are absolutely worth getting your black belt in bear skills. 

    Don’t forget your task for today! We want to hear your bear stories! Bonus points if you include a picture. Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share!

    For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store
    Exploring the National ParksBy Dirt In My Shoes
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8

    4.8

    585 ratings

    More shows like Exploring the National Parks

    View all
    Stuff You Should Know by iHeartPodcasts

    Stuff You Should Know

    78,688 Listeners

    Fresh Air by NPR

    Fresh Air

    38,430 Listeners

    Outside/In by NHPR

    Outside/In

    1,478 Listeners

    Travel with Rick Steves by Rick Steves

    Travel with Rick Steves

    2,509 Listeners

    Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast by Chris Christensen

    Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

    43 Listeners

    Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio by Milk Street Radio

    Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio

    3,021 Listeners

    History That Doesn't Suck by Prof. Greg Jackson

    History That Doesn't Suck

    6,124 Listeners

    Backpacker Radio by The Trek

    Backpacker Radio

    1,701 Listeners

    Parkography by RV Miles Network

    Parkography

    910 Listeners

    Throughline by NPR

    Throughline

    16,512 Listeners

    The Wild with Chris Morgan by KUOW News and Information

    The Wild with Chris Morgan

    3,431 Listeners

    Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast by Matt and Karen Smith

    Dear Bob and Sue: A National Parks Podcast

    1,271 Listeners

    The Atlas Obscura Podcast by SiriusXM and Atlas Obscura

    The Atlas Obscura Podcast

    1,739 Listeners

    National Park After Dark by National Park After Dark

    National Park After Dark

    5,596 Listeners

    What It's Like To Be... with Dan Heath by Dan Heath

    What It's Like To Be... with Dan Heath

    776 Listeners