Second blog
Why I’m Not Afraid of Black Bears While Camping
One of the questions I get asked more than almost anything when people find out I work within Ontario Parks is:
“Do you ever get scared of black bears?”
And honestly, my answer usually surprises people.
Not really.
I think black bears are one of the most misunderstood parts of camping and outdoor life in Ontario. So many people hear the word “bear” and immediately imagine danger or aggression, but after years spent working in parks and spending countless mornings, evenings, and summers outdoors, I’ve learned that black bears are usually far more scared of us than we are of them.
Most black bears want absolutely nothing to do with people.
Over the years, I’ve seen how quickly people panic at the mention of a bear sighting in a campground, but the reality is that most black bears are simply looking for food opportunities and trying to avoid human interaction altogether. In many cases, they’re only passing through because someone left garbage out, food wasn’t stored properly, or there are scents attracting them into the area.
Black bears are incredibly intelligent animals, but they’re also naturally cautious.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned while working in parks is that respecting wildlife and understanding animal behaviour changes your entire perspective. The outdoors becomes a lot less scary when you stop seeing wildlife as something to fear and start seeing it as something to coexist with responsibly.
That doesn’t mean people shouldn’t be cautious or informed.
Camping responsibly is incredibly important.
Things like:
- properly storing food,
- keeping campsites clean,
- never feeding wildlife,
- respecting park warnings,
- and giving animals plenty of space
make a huge difference, not only for visitor safety but for the safety of the animals themselves.
When people become careless with food or garbage, bears can begin associating campsites with easy meals, and unfortunately that’s when problems start happening. Most of the time, the issue isn’t that bears are aggressive — it’s that humans unintentionally create situations that attract them.
One of the easiest ways to reduce the chances of attracting a bear is by keeping a clean campsite.
A few things I always recommend:
- Never leave food unattended
- Store coolers and food inside your vehicle whenever possible
- Keep garbage sealed and disposed of properly
- Avoid leaving dishes or food scraps out overnight
- Don’t keep scented items inside your tent, including snacks, toothpaste, deodorant, or pet food
- Wipe down picnic tables and cooking areas after meals
- Burn food packaging responsibly only where permitted, and never leave scraps behind
A clean campsite makes a huge difference.
I also always recommend carrying bear spray anytime you’re hiking, camping, or spending time in more remote areas. Even though aggressive encounters are extremely rare, it’s important to be prepared and aware.
A few things that are good to carry or know:
- Bear spray (and know how to use it before you need it)
- A whistle or air horn for emergencies
- Flashlights or lanterns at night around camp
- Knowledge of local wildlife advisories before your trip
And most importantly:
never approach a bear for photos or try to scare one at close range.
If you ever encounter a black bear:
- Stay calm
- Give it space
- Back away slowly
- Speak firmly and make yourself known
- Never run
- Keep children and pets close
In the rare case a black bear behaves aggressively, make yourself appear larger, stay standing, prepare your bear spray, and slowly continue creating distance while avoiding sudden movements.
I’ve always believed the outdoors teaches you respect more than fear.
Some of my favourite moments in nature have actually been the quiet reminders that wildlife is all around us. Hearing loons across the lake at night, seeing deer move through the trees early in the morning, or even spotting a black bear from a safe distance reminds you that these places are still wild and alive in the best possible way.
There’s something grounding about it.
One of the things I love most about camping is how it forces you to slow down and become more aware of your surroundings. You notice sounds more. Smells more. Weather changes. The way the forest feels early in the morning before most people are awake.
Honestly, one of my favourite smells in the world is still early morning campfires drifting through the campground while everything is quiet. It instantly feels like summer to me.
Those are the moments that shaped my connection to outdoor life and a huge part of why I created Keep North in the first place.
I wanted to build a brand inspired by the real experiences that happen outdoors — not just the highlight reel version of camping, but the quiet, simple moments that make people fall in love with nature over time.
The scenic drives north.
Cold mornings in oversized hoodies.
Coffee or hot chocolate by the fire.
Watching the sunset disappear behind the trees.
Packing up camp after a long weekend.
Listening to the rain hit the tent at night.
And yes, even learning to share these spaces respectfully with wildlife.
I think the more time you spend outdoors, the more you realize nature isn’t something to fear. It’s something to appreciate, protect, and learn from.
Black bears are part of that.
And honestly, seeing one from a safe distance while camping is one of those moments that reminds you you’re truly experiencing the wild beauty of Ontario.
Take the long way home.