Do bear bells work? When I was studying abroad, I once told a friend that in Montana we use bells and spray to protect ourselves from bears while hiking.
“You do?”
“Yeah, they make noise so the bear can hear you coming from far off and avoid you – you don’t startle them. They work!”
-silence–
I could see I wasn’t very convincing, so I changed the subject. But, then I started wondering to myself, do bear bells really work?
In this article:
- How to Avoid Bears While Hiking
- What is a Bear Bell?
- Do Bear Bells Work?
- But What Does the Research Say?
- How to truly prevent bear attacks (hint: not with bear bells)
- Why Are Bears Afraid of Bells?
- Do Bear Bells Attract Bears?
- Do Bear Bells Work for Mountain Lions, Cougars, and Coyotes Too?
How to Avoid Bears While Hiking
If you’ve ever gone hiking in Montana or in any other region of the US where there’s a significant bear population where you hike, bike, fish, or climb, then you may have heard of bear bells for hiking. Or perhaps you just heard a friend talking about them and it made you curious – how well do bear bells work?
I did some research and found the answer. But first, to clarify, here’s a quick definition of what bear bells are.
What is a Bear Bell? (How Bear Bells Work)
A bear bell is a small bell, from 2 cm to several inches wide, with a loop that hikers wear on their backpack or clothing that jingles while they walk. The bell is heard by nearby bears and notifies them of your presence. The idea is that you avoid startling a bear by quietly coming up on one while coming around a bend and triggering an attack.
So, do bear bells work?
Do bear bells work?
Yes and no. Bear bells work to a meaningful degree. While there is no guarantee they will prevent a bear attack, studies have shown they significantly reduce the chances of a Bear attack.
The difference is between a bear hearing you from 500 meters away, noticing a strange sound and steering clear of you vs coming around a corner of the trail, stumbling upon a momma bear with her cubs, surprising her and throwing her into a defensive attack.
Pretty logical, right?
But What Does the Research Say?
In a study conducted in Glacier National Park in 1982, more people who didn’t wear bear bells were charged by a bear than those who wore bear bells. Never go into the wild without them.
They don’t hurt, and they may even help, which is reassuring.
“But, really, how well do bear bells work?”
What really are the chances that they are preventing an attack?
It’s difficult to say exactly. But according to the above study, if you carry bear bells with you when you’re hiking, then you’ll have a better chance of coming back unscathed each time. While they’re no guarantee, they are indeed essential.
How to truly prevent bear attacks
Hands down, the best way to protect yourself from a grizzly bear is with bear spray.
Bear spray is like pepper spray, but stronger, and has a 35 ft (11 m) range. When sprayed in the bear’s face it neutralizes it, allowing you to escape.
Seriously, this stuff works.
Get top-quality bear bells and bear spray today – Stay protected
Neither spray nor bells are expensive.
Get a set today, to ensure you’re protected next time you’re out.
Bear bells
Here is a 3-pack of top-quality bear bells on Amazon from a reliable brand at a screaming price:
- Built-in magnetic silencer: No need to remove the bells from gear when not in use
- Attach to anything: Hook and loop closure fixes to anything – belt, beltloop, backpack, clothing
- 3-pack: Share with anyone in your group who doesn’t have one
Click here to get it on Amazon.
Bear spray
Here’s a 2-pack of top-quality bear spray on Amazon from the top brand in the industry at 26% off:
- MAXIMUM POWER: Strongest formula allowed → 2.0% Major Capsaicinoids (EPA requires a range of 1.0-2.0%)
- 50% further: 35 ft (11 m) spray range is 10 ft (3 m) longer than the average bear spray canister
- Quick access: Quick-draw belt/chest holders allow easy access when seconds count
- Leading brand: 45 years of experience in the personal safety industry, trusted by policemen and consumers worldwide
Click here to get it on Amazon.
Keep a can of bear spray outside your pack (ex. in a water bottle pouch) so you can quickly draw it.
If the price for this two-pack bear spray is above your budget, choose the single pack from the options. Seriously, no savings are worth the risk, and this stuff works. Get a can today.
How long does bear spray last?
Bear spray typically lasts about three years, but this varies across brands. Check the expiration date on your can of bear spray to ensure it’s still reliable. If the expiration date has passed or if it’s close, don’t risk it. Replace it with a new set to be 100% sure your spray works the next time you’re out.
To help further answer the question, ‘do Bear bells work?’, let’s clarify some details.
Why Are Bears Afraid of Bells?
Bears aren’t afraid of bear bells. The noise made by the bells alerts any nearby bears of a hiker’s presence from a distance. The bears then usually steer clear of the hikers. This helps hikers avoid surprising bears — one of the primary triggers of an attack.
Do Bear Bells Attract Bears?
Some people wonder if bear bells, in fact, attract bears. There’s no research to confirm whether or not bear bells attract bears. So far, research indicates that they do the opposite — deter bears. Never go into the Montana wilderness without them.
But what about other animals? Do Bear bells work for mountain lions? Do Bear bells work for cougars? What about Coyotes?
Do Bear Bells Work for Mountain Lions, Cougars and Coyotes Too?
Bear bells help deter more than just bears. The sound of a bear bell warns mountain lions, cougars, coyotes and other wild animals of your presence from far away. These animals aren’t interested in attacking people, unless they’re startled.
Final Verdict
Do bear bells work? Bear bells don’t guarantee that you won’t have a bear encounter while hiking, swimming or biking in the wilderness. But there is evidence that they significantly reduce the chances. So I suggest always bringing a set with you.
They’re so light you don’t notice them. They’re so simple, they’re easy to forget. But remembering to bring them along can save you a lot of trouble. Just pick up a pair now, while you’re thinking about it, and you’ll be more at ease next time you’re out.
But, bear bells simply aren’t enough. While they help deter bears, you ultimately need something to defend yourself from a bear in the worst-case scenario – bear spray. This stuff is an absolute necessity.
Get top-quality bear spray from Amazon here.
Get top-quality bear bells from Amazon here.
Bear Safety in Montana
Montana wilderness is a true joy. Thousands of people enjoy Montana’s outdoors year-round. But the wildlife threat is real and should be respected. Practicing bear safety while hiking is essential.
The next time you’re out and about in the Montana wilderness, be sure to pack your bear bells, bear spray, lots of water, bug spray, some snacks, sunglasses, a hat, supportive boots, a rain jacket, suitable clothing, and always tell a friend how long you plan to be out (hours? days? weeks?).
And, most importantly, enjoy!
