As someone who’s spent over a decade guiding trips and writing about outdoor safety, I’ve often been asked about bear encounters, particularly in the context of Boy Scout camping and backpacking. The phrase “boy scout from up” – a chilling reference to a tragic 1967 grizzly bear attack in Montana – serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers and the critical importance of bear safety education. This article will delve into understanding bear behavior, the history of the “boy scout from up” incident, and, most importantly, how to prevent bear attacks while leading or participating in Scouting activities. We’ll cover everything from food storage to proper response techniques, drawing on resources from the National Park Service (nps.gov), Leave No Trace (leavenotrace.org), and REI Expert Advice (rei.com).
The Tragic History: The 1967 Montana Attack and the "Boy Scout From Up" Legacy
The story behind “boy scout from up” is a harrowing one. In August 1967, a grizzly bear attacked a Boy Scout troop camping near Missoula, Montana. The bear entered their camp at night, fatally injuring 11-year-old Richie Burnham. Another scout, Kent Kreutzer, was severely injured but survived. Kreutzer’s account of seeing the bear “coming from up” the hill became the origin of the phrase, a cautionary tale passed down through generations of Scouts and outdoor enthusiasts. This incident wasn’t simply bad luck; it highlighted critical failures in food storage and campsite selection. It spurred significant changes in Scouting’s bear safety protocols, and continues to inform best practices today.
Understanding the Context of the Attack
The 1967 attack occurred in an area with a known grizzly bear population. The scouts had improperly stored their food, leaving it accessible to the bear. This created a negative association between humans and food, ultimately leading to the tragic encounter. The incident underscored the need for rigorous adherence to bear-resistant food storage methods and a thorough understanding of bear behavior.
Bear Behavior: Knowing Your Adversary
Preventing bear attacks starts with understanding why bears might approach a campsite. Bears are primarily motivated by food. They have an incredibly keen sense of smell – far superior to humans – and can detect food odors from miles away. They aren’t inherently aggressive towards humans; most attacks are defensive, occurring when a bear feels threatened, or when a bear has learned to associate humans with food. There are two main types of bear encounters to be aware of:
- Defensive Attacks: These happen when a bear feels surprised, threatened, or is protecting cubs. The bear may charge, swat, or bite.
- Predatory Attacks: These are rare but extremely dangerous. A predatory bear views a human as prey.
Identifying Black Bears vs. Grizzly Bears
Knowing the difference between black bears and grizzly bears is crucial, as their behavior and response strategies differ. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Black Bear | Grizzly Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder Hump | Absent | Present |
| Facial Profile | Straight | Dish-shaped |
| Claws | Short, curved | Long, straight |
| Size | Smaller (100-400 lbs) | Larger (300-800 lbs) |
The USDA Forest Service (fs.usda.gov) provides detailed information on bear identification and behavior in various regions.
Preventing Bear Encounters: Proactive Measures for Scouting Trips
The best way to deal with a bear is to avoid an encounter in the first place. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of preventative measures for Boy Scout trips:
- Campsite Selection: Choose campsites away from dense vegetation, berry patches, and known bear travel corridors. Avoid camping near streams where bears might be fishing.
- Food Storage: This is paramount. Use bear-resistant canisters (REI’s guide to bear canisters is excellent), hang food properly (at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk), or utilize established food storage lockers if available. All food, trash, toiletries, and scented items must be stored securely.
- Cooking and Eating: Cook and eat at least 100 feet away from your tents. Clean up thoroughly after meals, washing dishes and disposing of food scraps properly.
- Scent Control: Minimize odors. Store toiletries (toothpaste, soap, deodorant) with your food. Avoid wearing scented lotions or perfumes.
- Group Awareness: Travel in groups and make noise while hiking (talking, singing, using bear bells) to alert bears to your presence.
- Bear Spray: Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Ensure everyone in the group understands its proper deployment.
- Educate Participants: Before the trip, thoroughly educate all Scouts and leaders about bear safety procedures.
Specific Considerations for Backpacking Trips
Backpacking presents unique challenges for bear safety. Weight limitations can make bear canisters less appealing, but they are the most reliable method of food storage. If hanging food, ensure the rope is properly secured and the food is out of reach. Be extra vigilant about scent control, as odors are more concentrated in a smaller area.
Responding to a Bear Encounter: What to Do If You Meet a Bear
Despite your best efforts, you might encounter a bear. Here’s how to respond, depending on the situation:
- If the bear is unaware of you: Slowly and quietly back away, keeping an eye on the bear.
- If the bear is aware of you but not acting aggressively: Speak calmly and firmly to the bear. Wave your arms to make yourself look larger. Slowly back away.
- If the bear charges: This is where things get critical.
- For a black bear: Fight back aggressively. Use anything you have as a weapon.
- For a grizzly bear: Play dead. Lie flat on your stomach, cover your neck with your hands, and spread your legs. Stay still until the bear leaves. (However, if the attack continues, fight back.)
- Use Bear Spray: If the bear is approaching aggressively, deploy bear spray when it is within 30-40 feet.
After an Encounter
Report any bear encounter to park rangers or local authorities. Even a non-aggressive encounter can provide valuable information for managing bear populations and ensuring public safety.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Bear Safety for Scouting Leaders
For Scouting leaders who frequently lead trips into bear country, consider taking a bear safety course. These courses provide in-depth training on bear behavior, attack prevention, and response techniques. Familiarize yourself with the specific bear safety guidelines for the area you’ll be visiting. The National Park Service often offers ranger-led programs on bear safety.
Resources and Further Learning
Here are some valuable resources for further learning:
- National Park Service – Bear Safety
- Leave No Trace – Bear Safety
- REI Expert Advice – Bear Safety
- USDA Forest Service – Bears
- Bear Smart Society
The “boy scout from up” story is a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of bear encounters. However, by understanding bear behavior, implementing proactive preventative measures, and knowing how to respond in an emergency, we can significantly reduce the risk of attacks and ensure safe and enjoyable Scouting experiences for all. Remember, vigilance and education are our best defenses.
Related articles: Backcountry First Aid Essentials, Choosing the Right Backpack for Scouting, Wilderness Navigation for Beginners