A Black Bear Won’t Leave Your Campsite — What Should You Do Next?

You’re camping when a black bear wanders into your campsite. You give it space and expect it to move on — but it doesn’t. What should you do next? In this video, we break down general black bear safety guidance for campers, including what to do when a bear lingers around camp, what might be attracting it, and when the situation may require you to leave the area or contact park authorities. We’ll explore common attractants such as unsecured food, garbage, coolers, cookware, pet food, and scented products — plus why keeping a clean campsite is so important in bear country. We’ll also discuss how your response can depend on the bear’s behavior and the circumstances of the encounter. A bear simply passing through is very different from one repeatedly approaching people, obtaining food, or behaving aggressively. Never intentionally approach or feed a bear. Maintain distance, keep children and pets close, and follow the specific guidance of the park or wildlife agency responsible for the area. If a bear presents an immediate threat, prioritize getting to a secure location and contacting emergency or park personnel when possible. Bear encounters can develop quickly, so preparation BEFORE arriving at camp matters. Watch until the end for the key lessons every camper should understand before spending a night in black bear country. Have YOU ever had a bear enter your campsite? Share what happened in the comments.