Bear-Resistant Canisters

How and When to Use a Bear-Resistant Canister

Using a bear-resistant canister is the most effective way to prevent bears from becoming emboldened to obtain food from back-country campers. Though bears may be able to move the canister by swatting and rolling them, they are unable to gain access to the food inside. This teaches bears that they cannot receive food rewards from backcountry campers. 

In the Adirondack Park, overnight campers in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness Area are required by regulation to use a bear-resistant canister between April 1 and November 30. Non-rigid containers, sacks, or food hangs are not considered bear-resistant canisters under the regulation. However, DEC recommends using a bear-resistant canister whenever primitive camping in bear country. 

Learn how and when to use a bear-resistant canister by watching the short video below.

All scented items that could attract a bear, including food, toiletries, medication, garbage, and pet food, should be stored in the bear-resistant canister. Canisters are not watertight and do not float. They should be kept on level ground at least 100 feet from your campsite and cooking area by creating a camping triangle.

Selecting a Bear-Resistant Canister

Tested and approved bear-resistant canisters can be purchased or rented from many local, national, and web-based outdoor recreation retailers. However, black bears in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness have regularly defeated bear-resistant canisters made of clear plastic. Campers are encouraged (although not required) to use another type of bear-resistant canister to prevent the loss of food. When selecting a bear-resistant canister consider the following:

• Has the canister passed rigorous testing with live bears?
• Is the canister made of solid, non-pliable hard plastic or metal with smooth, rounded edges and no handles? There shouldn’t be any features that a bears' claws or teeth could grip under or that would allow a bear to carry the canister away.
• Is the canister large enough to store all scented items for the entire duration of your trip? Canisters typically are 8 inches by 12 inches in size and hold up to 5 days of food for 1 person, when properly packed.
• Does the canister have a lid that is easy to remove and secure? This will help ensure scented items can be easily secured after each use.