Bear cache

A bear cache, food cache or bear box is a place designed to store food outdoors and prevent bears and other animals from accessing it. They are used by campers when staying in bear habitat. They can also be used by hunters for storing game. A bear cache is often a structure that is more permanent, not to be confused with a bear canister.

A permanent bear cache in Alaska

Designs

A makeshift cache can be made by hanging the food from a tree branch using rope, called a bear bag. The cache should be 100 metres/300 feet from your campsite and downwind if possible.[1] To be effective, the food must be distanced from the branch, the trunk, and the ground. When a suitable tree isn't available, hanging the food over a cliff is a possible alternative.

In areas popular with both people and bears, permanent caches are often built. These include poles for hanging, steel cabinets, and raised structures with removable ladders.[2]

  • A metal pole with pulleys and rope
  • Metal boxes with bear-proof latches
  • A wooden structure with a ladder
  • Traditional Sami bear cache, ájtte.
  • Traditional Finnish bear cache, patsasaitta.

See also

References
  1. "Éviter les mauvaises rencontres en milieu sauvage". Mountain Equipment Company (in French).
  2. "Bear Caching" (PDF). Girl Guides of Canada.
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