Hike in groups. Do not hike after dark. Dogs can disturb a bear and lead it back to you. If dogs are permitted in the area, obey the leash law and don't allow your dog to run free. If you notice bears, dead animals, or bear signs such as tracks, droppings, or diggings, you should choose another area.
Bears can develop a bad habit after just one reward.
Bears that do obtain human food or garbage may lose their fear of people and become a danger. Problem bears sometimes have to be destroyed to protect visitors. You can take some basic precautions to prevent this from happening. Store food in your car trunk. Otherwise, place food in a bag, backpack, or pannier and hang from a tree branch at least ten feet above the ground and four feet from the tree trunk.