Bears are rarely aggressive, but they are powerfully food-motivated, and a single night of careless food storage can teach a bear to raid campsites for the rest of its life.

The golden rule is a triangle: cook and eat at least 60 metres from your tent, store food at least 60 metres away in a bear canister or hang, and never keep food, toiletries or rubbish in your tent.

On the trail, make noise in dense brush and near streams, travel in groups where possible, and carry bear spray where it is legal and recommended.

If you meet a bear, stay calm, do not run, speak firmly, back away slowly, and only use spray if the bear charges or approaches closely; the exact response depends on the species and the situation.