The "Bearmuda Triangle" represents the area enclosed by the three points most likely to be visited by nosey, hungry critters. The cooking area & food cache is seperated from the sleeping area. Note: The distances in the diagram below are normally shortened in "non-bear" areas.

“Bear bagging” is something of a general term used for hanging your food. There are lots of other animals (raccoons, opossums, coyotes, chipmunks, skunks, etc.) that will go after human food. In some cases you may be camped in locations where there are no bears, but still need to hang your food at night. It is always best to know ahead of time about what the “critter” population is and what precautions you will need to take. In areas with significant bear problems, there may be permanent food hanging stands or containers provided.

Many animals have a powerful sense of smell and can easily follow the smell of that gum wrapper you left in your pants pocket. The best way to keep them out of camp is to work hard to eliminate interesting smells from your sleeping areas. This includes trash, sunscreen, toothpaste, etc.

• Store all food in gallon zip-loc bag to keep food odors off your other gear.
• Never sleep in clothes that you've spilled food on.
• Hang your backpack off the ground, away from small critters.
• Open all backpack pockets so critters won't chew holes in your pack.
• Don't cook near your tent or hammock.

Bears and other animals find smelly backpackers absolutely repulsive.