The main function of a bear bell is to steadily ring to warn animals of your presence.
The great outdoors has so many things to offer. From the fresh air to scenic views, there is no other experience quite like being surrounded by nature. Although nature is beautiful, backpackers know that sometimes you never know what you may come across. Whether you come across a black bear or bobcat, backpacking safety is a key priority, especially when traveling alone. It is important to remember that we are sharing nature's backyard with wildlife and other natural elements.
Although it is never recommended to travel in an unsafe area, sometimes the unexpected can happen even in an area you are familiar with. This includes coming into close proximity with wild animals, more specifically bears. The Yellowstone National Park Service recommends keeping a 100-yard distance and never feeding bears. It is also recommended to avoid hiking at dawn, dusk, and night when bears are the most active.
Coghlan's Bear Bell with Magnetic Silencer
When it comes to hiking, there is no such thing as being too prepared. There are several proactive measures you can take to make sure that the outdoors are safe for both you and the animals. One of these safety precautions you can take is to bring a bear bell with you. What is a bear bell, you might ask? It is a small device usually made with a thick velcro strap or a carabiner used for attaching to your backpack, belt, or your hiking gear.
The next question you might ask is, how does a bear bell work? Bear bells are used to warn bears and other potential predators of your presence, so that you don't startle them by mistake. You would never want to be in a predicament where you startle a bear, and the next thing you know, you are in a tense situation and the bear wants to attack. The bear bell jingles as you move and is designed to be loud enough so that animals and other people can hear it.
If you are headed to one of America's gorgeous national parks and want to stay as safe as you can, keep reading to learn more about this Coghlan Bear Bell from Amazon.
Take comfort in your outdoor excursions with the Coghlan Bear Bell. This bell measures 1 1/2" in diameter so it is small and light enough to attach to your clothing, boots, or backpack with the hook and loop closure. You can even attach it to your pet's collar if you are traveling with them as well. When you are not using it, you can use the magnetic strap to eliminate the ringing noise to keep the ringing ball in place.
You can pick from a wide variety of colors, from yellow to red. At under $8, I would definitely get one for my backpack and one for my home.
Although there has been some skepticism of whether or not a bear bell truly works, it is always better to be safe than sorry. A National park study revealed that hikers who use bear bells are less likely to face a grizzly bear encounter when wearing one. On the other hand, bear expert Dr. Stephen Herrero thinks it's possible that bear bells draw in curious bears who are attracted to the sound. Whether you are traveling alone, with your pet, or in a group, using this bear bell is ultimately a matter of personal discretion.
Check out this customer review who loves that this bear bell actually works in an area where bears frequent.
"Love these and they actually work. I gave these to each of the four families staying together in a house during a vacation where bears frequent. We saw the bear a few times and actually shook the bell once to see what it would do. He looked up at us and took off. It could have been us he was afraid of, but the bell made him look at us and enough noise."
Bear bells are just one form of protecting yourself during your outdoor hike. Other bear deterrents include:
- Talking or singing
- Bear horns or a mini air horn that will startle a charging bear
- Bear whistle
- Bear canisters that safely store your food away from hungry bears
- Bear spray which is a concentrated pepper spray that will scare away a charging bear
It is always smart to be prepared, especially when dealing with wildlife. This Coghlan bell will give you peace of mind whether you're hiking, fishing, or camping.
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