Backpackers in several popular areas of Pisgah National Forest are now required to use bear canisters when staying overnight, following a recent policy change by the U.S. Forest Service. 

Reports of bears accessing food from improperly stored gear and, most notably, an instance of a bear entering a tent at Graveyard Fields in March, resulted in a new requirement for canister use in Shining Rock Wilderness as well as the Black Balsam, Sams Knob and Flat Laurel Creek areas of the forest. Meanwhile, Graveyard Fields is under a camping ban until further notice. 

“Visitor safety is of the utmost importance, and canisters are the most effective way to safely store food and reduce bear-human conflicts,” said Pisgah District Ranger Derek Ibarguen.

Bear canisters must be commercially made of solid, non-pliable material manufactured to resist entry by bears. Other practices to prevent bear encounters include cleaning up food and garbage from the campsite and never leaving food unattended. 

More safety tips are online at www.fs.usda.gov/main/r8/recreation/safety-ethics.

Pisgah Ranger District, 828.877.3265.