BWCAW Bear Aware — Updated Food Storage Order

The Superior National Forest has issued an update to the forest order for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) regarding bear safety. All food, food containers, and scented items must be stored safely to prevent human-bear interactions.

This order intends to prevent bear interactions by mandating Bear Aware behaviors. For more information, please refer to Forest Order 09-09-24-02.

These restrictions will apply to the BWCAW as designated by the following map between March 1 and November 30, effective April 19, 2024 through April 19, 2026. Attractants such as food must be suspended a minimum of 12 feet above the surface of the ground and 6 feet horizontally from the trunk of a tree or stored in an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee certified bear-resistant container.

Attractants are any items with a strong odor that may attract bears or other wildlife, e.g. food, food containers, scented items (soap, lip balm, toothpaste) and refuse. Restrictions will apply to all BWCAW visitors unless they have written authorization that specifically exempts them from this order, or if they are carrying out official duties as a member of a rescue or firefighting team. Attractants do not need to be safely stored if they are in use or under close watch.