Coghlan's Bear Bell with Magnetic Silencer

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You might be surprised to learn that, amongst the serious biking fraternity, there is quite fierce debate about which bell will work best in different circumstances. With a hard-wearing all-metal design, the bell has a strap that allows it to be fitted to any size of handlebar. This compact bell looks great, and it’s easy to fit and operate. You don’t have to worry about it rattling on the bars as some cheaper models can do.

If the bear is far away (say 100 yards or more), make your presence known and extract yourself calmly from the area. There are stories of people starting to yell in this situation ( like this story from Norway) but it’s probably best not to go overboard. Neither party should feel particularly threatened. Just make sure to keep an eye on the situation, especially if the bear is on the move. Bear Bells Work: People who advocate for the use of bear bells often refer to a 1982 study that researches bear & camper interactions at Glacier National Park. According to this study, the hikers who wore bells on the trail were less likely to be charged by a grizzly bear.

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Bear bells eliminate the need for other bear safety practices: Bear bells should not be relied upon as the sole form of bear deterrent. It is essential to follow other recommended practices such as carrying bear spray, properly storing food, and being aware of your surroundings. Keep the bell ringing: Keep the bell ringing consistently as you hike or move through bear country. The sound will help alert bears to your presence and give them a chance to move away. Whistles should not be used for the same reason that you should avoid bear bells. First, bears may be curious as to what is making the noise, and second, because whistles are usually high-pitched, they can awaken a bear’s predatory instincts.

The AirZound Bike Horn can be set with a volume level up to an impressive 115 dB. It doesn’t require batteries and uses an air canister to produce the noise.Bear bells are relatively simple products that can be worn while hiking, but they can also help you avoid wild animals. They constantly produce a noise to alert any bears in the area about the presence of humans. Over time, bear bells have become a favorite product among outdoor enthusiasts. To help you find the perfect one for you, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best bear bells on the market today.

Make yourselves look as large as possible. Puff out your chest. Perhaps move to higher ground. Spread out your arms and move them slowly up and down. Remember, the intention here is not to alarm the bear. You want to be assertive enough that the bear thinks twice about upping the ante This practice of hanging food from a tree in a way that bears can’t reach is designed to prevent access to food by a bear in the absense of bear canisters or odor-proof bags. Though less effective than odorproof options, bear bagging is preferable to keeping unsealed foods in camp. Bear Spray Is it possible that in the earlier study where bears moved away from hikers carrying bells, it was actually because they were making other noises that alerted the bears to their presence? (Image credit: Getty) All of the best bear bells we reviewed came with hook-and-loop or Velco closures. Some didn’t not work as well as other causing hikers to lose bells when they went out. That being said, pay attention to attachment system and buy one that it tight and secure. This interesting effect was documented in a 1985 book by Stephen Herrero. Since they don’t frighten bears, they may actually attract bears who are curious about where the jingling noise is coming from.Sound: The jingling sound produced by the bear bells is intended to mimic the sound of prey or other animals moving through the environment. This can trigger the bear’s natural avoidance response as they associate the sound with potential danger. Even though you’re paying a lot more than you would for an average bell, this one is designed to last and offers a lifetime warranty. For starters, for most riders, it may seem like overkill. On top volume it can be so loud that it could unnecessarily startle other road or trail users, and it could even hurt your ears. Bell with magnetic silencer rings warning of your presence to bears and other animals when moving around, hiking, or walking outside But before you laugh your way past them in the store, listen to this. Studies show that people carrying bells were never charged while on the trail. Compare that to the 14% of those without the noisemakers who had a close encounter, and it’s not all bad news.

The constant jingling of the bell as you walk can be super noisy and unpleasant for both you and your hiking crew. If you are out and about when bears are not hibernating, then you should be aware that they most active during early morning and late evening [source: nps.gov], particularly in spring and summer. Mating occurs in July, and bears will become calmer as the fall approaches. Other Tips to Avoid an Encounter Recently, there’s been a resurgence in their popularity, and even pro cyclists are often advocates of a good bike bell. This has led to the market stepping up to meet this demand. It’s not just the traditional bulky brass varieties that are available now. Bear bells are one of the most controversial pieces of hiking gear. While some people swear by them, others have sworn them off. Bear bells aren’t a sure way to keep yourself safe when you’re out in the woods. In fact, they may attract the carnivorous predators you’re trying to scare away. And while they’re a common sight at outdoor retailers, they aren’t a reliable means of protection.Bear spray might work better: Will Bear Spray Save Your Life? What Are Better Alternatives to a Bear Bell When Hiking? The magnetic silencer isn’t 100% effective either. The ball can sometimes still come away from the magnet, and it may occasionally chime when you don’t need it to. Cook and clean up meals away from your tent so you don’t leave odors behind. Use unscented soap to keep things clean. After all, bears are curious and will investigate things that seem safe but unfamiliar.