Approved Bear-Proof Storage Containers

In Grand Teton National Park, the presence of bears necessitates careful food and odorant material storage to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife. The park mandates the use of approved bear canisters for backpackers traversing backcountry areas, except where food storage boxes are available or on specific alpine routes where bivouacing occurs on high rocky ledges out of bears' reach. This rule aims to prevent bears from accessing human food, which can alter their natural behaviors and increase the danger to both bears and humans. Bear canisters serve as a critical tool for safely storing all food, trash, toiletries, and any other items with odors that might attract bears. To support this, the park provides bear canisters for free at backcountry permitting sites, promoting easy compliance with safety regulations. For those preferring to use their own canisters, Grand Teton National Park approves the following models due to their effectiveness in bear testing: Backpacker Model 812-C by Garcia Machine BearVault BV350, BV400 by BearVault The Bear Keg by Counter Assault The Bare Boxer Contender by Gold City Products These models are recognized for their durability and bear-resistant designs, ensuring that stored items remain secure from wildlife. Key Practices for Bear Safety and Food Storage: Food Preparation and Consumption: Activities involving food should occur at least 100 yards downwind from sleeping areas to minimize attracting bears to tents. Canister Storage: Securely store your bear canister hidden in brush or behind rocks on the ground, away from cliffs or water sources to prevent bears from knocking or rolling them away. Vigilance: Always be aware of your surroundings and ready to secure your food should bears approach. Canister Management: Keep bear canisters closed and locked at all times, and avoid attaching anything to them that could enable a bear to carry it away. Following these guidelines helps protect both the park's bear population and its visitors. It's crucial to never approach, feed, or allow bears to access human food, as such interactions can have harmful consequences for both parties. By using approved bear canisters and adhering to recommended storage practices, visitors contribute to the safety and preservation of Grand Teton's magnificent wildlife.