U.S. Forestry Service Travel Warning

The last two years have seen unprecedented growth in Bear populations in Alaska and the Rocky Mountain area. As spring approaches, tourists are warned to wear small bells on their clothing when hiking in Bear Country.

The bells warn away most bears.

Tourists are also cautioned to watch the ground on the trail, paying particular attention to Bear droppings to be alert for the presence of Grizzly Bears. One can tell Grizzly droppings because they have small bells in them.