Bear Encounters at the Cabin

Bear Encounters at the Cabin: Staying Safe in the Wilderness

Living and spending time off-grid brings incredible rewards—peace, quiet, and a strong connection to nature. But with that comes the reality of wildlife encounters. Out at our property, there’s always the potential of running into a bear. In fact, the last few summers I’ve seen one almost every time I’ve driven up to the cabin.

My First Bear Encounter at the Cabin

I’ve always been a little uneasy about hiking alone in the bush because of bears. On overnight trips, I sometimes insist on bringing a rifle for peace of mind.

One summer evening, after a long day of work, Scott and I were relaxing by the fire with our travel trailer set up nearby. The rifle was leaning against the trailer about 40 feet away. Out of the corner of my eye, I suddenly noticed movement. Quietly, I said, “Bear.”

A black bear had wandered into camp—completely unaware of us—stopping right beside the rifle. Scott jumped up and shouted, “Outta here, bear!” twice. I grabbed my phone, hoping for a picture, but the bear bolted so quickly it disappeared into the trees.

This close encounter taught me two things: bears are curious and bold, but they also don’t like loud noises.

Signs of Bears Around the Property

After that night, we started noticing more signs of bear activity. Large piles of scat showed up right by the cabin door and in the yard. Jokingly, Scott told me, “If you’re going to have pets, you need to clean up after them.”

For me, those reminders reinforced the importance of being cautious every time I visit the property.

Do “Urine Fences” Really Keep Bears Away?

At one point, I wondered if marking territory—peeing around the perimeter of camp—might discourage bears. Some people claim it works; others say it doesn’t.

Here’s what I found while researching this bear deterrent method:

• Urine attracts smells—and bears are naturally curious.

• Salt in urine can actually draw them in.

• Some suggest peeing higher up on trees so the scent carries.

• Inupiaq Eskimos traditionally used “urine fences.”

• Others swear by firing rifles into trees and leaving spent casings as a warning scent.

From what I gathered, there’s no clear answer. It might help, but it’s not something I’d fully rely on.

Bear Safety Tips for Off-Grid Living

Here are a few key lessons I’ve learned about staying safe around black bears:

• Watch for signs: Look for scat, claw marks on trees, or overturned logs.

• Understand bear behavior: Bears are most active in spring, summer, and early fall when searching for food.

• Know their sense of smell: A bear’s nose is said to be seven times stronger than a bloodhound’s. Scents from soap, deodorant, lotion, or food can draw them in. Always use tightly sealed containers.

• Be aware of food sources: Natural berry patches or poor seasonal conditions (like a late winter or dry spring) can make bears extra hungry and bold.

• Use noise as a deterrent: Bears don’t like unexpected sounds. Loud voices, clapping, or even wind chimes near your cabin can help keep them away.

Final Thoughts

Living off-grid means coexisting with wildlife, and black bears are part of that reality. While deterrents like noise, careful food storage, and even experimental methods like “urine fences” might help, the most important tools are awareness and respect.

Every encounter is a reminder that the wilderness belongs to them as much as it does to us. By staying cautious and prepared, we can enjoy off-grid living while staying safe.

© 2016 – 2025, Teresa. All rights reserved.