When camping in Alaska, be warn that there are lots of bear roaming around. When I was rafting the Anasek and Noatak rivers, I saw at least a grizzly dozen bears. One bear even harassed me down a river bank our first day in the bush. Fortunately, none of us was eaten or injured. They were actually after our food. Therefore it is important to camp in the Alaskan wilderness and be safe from the bears. A little bit of care and preparation is needed.
One of the most important things to remember while camping in Alaska is that bears like the smell of food. What you don't want is for them to smell food on you, since that makes you smell a lot like food. This is bad. So, the best precaution you can take is to make sure that you keep your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping area free from any smells of food. It is best to cook and eat all of your food at least 100 yards downwind of your tent site. Also, be sure to pack your food separately from your tent and sleeping bag, and don't keep other things that smell interesting like bug spray or toothpaste at your tent site.
Many people who camps in Alaska carry with them some sort of protection against bears, usually in the form of a firearm or can of bear spray. For years firearms were the only choice for protection against bears, but as time went by it became apparent that many people weren't comfortable carrying rifles and handguns with them into the woods.
Bear spray allows anyone to carry a bear repellant with them, and it's advisable to do so while camping in Alaska. Though you're likely never to need it, a can of bear spray can save your life in the unlikely event that you're attacked by a grizzly bear. Just be sure to point the spray downwind and to leave the area afterwards, as the spices left by the spray days later can be attractive to bears later on.
Camping in Alaska can be without problems and safe. Do take the necessary precaution and safeguard against the bears. However, the changing Alaskan weather conditions are also another danger that campers cannot ignore. Many campers are caught off guard and unprepared. Check the weather conditions before you go and pack the necessary equipment for any weather conditions. Be aware of the surroundings and what is happening.
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