The question of whether bears are attracted to the smell of weed is common among those spending time in bear country. While the answer isn’t a simple yes or no, understanding a bear’s extraordinary sense of smell and their typical attractants helps to clarify the situation.
The Power of a Bear’s Nose
Bears have one of the most developed senses of smell in the animal kingdom. Their sense of smell is far superior to humans’, estimated to be 2,100 to 3,000 times better. This remarkable ability stems from their large olfactory bulbs, which are five times bigger than a human’s, and a nasal mucosa that is 100 times larger.
This highly sensitive nose allows bears to detect scents from considerable distances. For instance, a black bear can reportedly smell food from over a mile away, and some accounts suggest they can track scents up to 20 miles. This powerful sense is crucial for locating food, finding mates, and sensing danger.
Common Bear Attractants
Bears are driven by their need for food, and their keen sense of smell guides them to caloric sources. Common attractants include natural foods like berries and fish, and human-provided items. Unsecured garbage, pet food, and birdseed are significant attractants, offering easily accessible, high-calorie meals.
Beyond food, bears are drawn to strong, unusual odors, even if they offer no nutritional value. Toiletries like soap, shampoo, and hand sanitizer, along with petroleum products like gasoline, can pique a bear’s curiosity due to their potent scents. These items can lead bears to investigate campsites or dwellings, potentially causing property damage.
Cannabis and Bear Behavior
The direct attraction of bears to cannabis is not well-documented through scientific studies or extensive anecdotal evidence. Cannabis contains aromatic compounds called terpenes, which give the plant its distinct smell. While a bear’s sensitive nose would detect these scents, it is unlikely to interpret them as a high-calorie food source.
Raw cannabis plant material does not offer the caloric content bears seek. Therefore, it is improbable that the smell of the plant itself would serve as a primary attractant in the same way food does. However, processed forms of cannabis, particularly edibles, present a different scenario.
Edibles are often made with ingredients like sugar, chocolate, or fats, which are highly attractive to bears. A bear encountering an edible would likely be drawn to its food-based ingredients, making the cannabis aspect secondary. There is no indication that cannabinoids in cannabis would make bears seek it for consumption. While the novel scent might trigger curiosity, it is not a known primary attractant for bears.
Staying Safe in Bear Country
When in bear country, practice safety measures to minimize human-bear conflicts. All food and scented items should be stored securely in bear-resistant containers, locked vehicles, or hung from trees at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk. This includes food, toiletries, cooking gear, and any cannabis products, treating them as potential attractants due to their odors.
Maintain a clean campsite by properly disposing of all waste. When hiking, making noise helps prevent surprising a bear, and carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is recommended. In a bear encounter, remaining calm, making yourself appear large, and slowly backing away are generally advised.