How To Keep Your Dog Safe From Bears

If you live in ‘bear country’, then you’re aware of how dangerous it can be to leave your dog unattended. While bears are mainly solitary animals, staying away from humans, they sometimes venture into neighborhoods and backyards. If your pup is unlucky enough to be outside during a bear encounter, it could lead to serious injuries and even death. Thankfully though, there are ways to prevent bear attacks and keep your furry friend safe. Follow along to discover ways to keep your dog safe from bears.

Do Bears Attack Dogs?

Bears can attack dogs, but attacks aren’t very common. Bears also don’t hunt dogs on purpose. Generally, when bears and dogs interact, it’s because of food. Sometimes, though, black bears run away from barking dogs. Although rare, it’s still best to try to prevent bear attacks.

How Many Bears Are There in the United States

Bear attacks are more likely if you live in a rural area with bear activity. In the United States, there are around 400,000 to 500,000 bears. Within the country are black bears, brown bears, and polar bears. The most uncommon of these bears are polar bears. Within the United States, polar bears are found in Alaska. There are about 4,000 to 7,000 in the state. Black bears, on the other hand, are the most common species in the country. There are between 250,000 to more than 300,000 black bears in the U.S.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe From Bears

Now that we know a little more about the number of bears in the country, we can discuss how to keep your pet safe. There are many little things you can do to prevent an attack. However, attacks may still happen! It’s important to stay vigilant when walking your pup. Listed below are a few ways to keep your dog safe from potential bear attacks.

Avoid Hiking Trails with Known Bear Activity

One way to keep your dog safe from bear attacks is to avoid areas where bear activity is common, including hiking trails. While your pup may love outdoor adventures, it’s not worth the risk. Instead, find an area that is busy, with infrequent bear sightings.

Walk Your Dog on a Leash

Avoiding hiking trails isn’t enough, though. Possibly, the most important tip to keep your pet safe from animal attacks is to walk them on a leash. Try not to let your dog out on a walk without a leash. Leashes keep your pet safe from a lot more than bears. Keeping your dog on a tight leash can keep them safe from cars, cats, and other dogs. Non-retractable leashes are best as you have more control.

Regularly Clean Your Back and Front Yard

If you want to decrease the chances of bear activity in your neighborhood and home, you’ll need to keep your yard clean. If you have a yard, keep it as clean as possible and get rid of any trash or unopened food. A messy front or backyard can attract wildlife like bears. Other animals that may make their way to your yard and pose a threat to dogs are coyotes, wolves, and large birds like eagles and owls. A good way to keep your yard clean and safe from bears is to use a bear-proof trashcan.

Keep an Eye On Your Pet When They Are Outside

This tip might sound like common sense, but it is worth a repeat. When walking your pet, keep an eye on them. This includes not leaving them outside, even for a moment. You never know what will happen within a few short minutes. While you can unlikely fight a bear off, they are easily frightened. Even if you leave your pet outside running without a leash, you can still scare a bear away with loud noises.

Carry Bear Spray

When walking with your pup, you may want to bring bear spray. This is an important tool to have when hiking, especially in an area known for its bear population. But what is bear spray?

Bear spray is a spray that irritates eyes, confusing bears and giving users enough time to hide and walk away. You should never run from a bear, even if they’ve been sprayed. This can cause them to chase you. The spray is made up of red pepper oil. Interestingly, though, the spray doesn’t act as a repellent. You can’t use it like mosquito spray.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © everydoghasastory/Shutterstock.com