- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Smith River Mandatory Food Storage Regulations
The Smith River flows through black bear habitat and habituated or food-conditioned bears on the river corridor have become a problem. In order to minimize human-black bear conflicts not only for public safety, but also the well being of area black bears, a mandatory food storage regulation was implemented beginning with the 2016 float season. For a complete list of approved Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) products, see Certified Bear-Resistant Products. It’s also recommended that you carry bear pepper spray with you on your trip for deterring nuisance or aggressive bears. Learn more ways you can Be Bear Aware on the Smith River.