A Bear's Beer Drinking: Techniques And Tricks

It is well-known that bears have a taste for beer. In fact, they are attracted to most things with a strong odour and calories that can be digested. While bears have been known to get drunk on fermented fallen apples, it is rare for them to raid campsites for alcohol. However, there is one famous story of a bear that did exactly that. In 2004, a black bear was found passed out on the lawn of Baker Lake Resort in Washington state with dozens of empty cans of beer scattered nearby. The bear had a preference for Rainier Beer, avoiding Busch Beer, and ended up drinking 36 cans in total. After sleeping it off in a tree for four hours, the bear was successfully lured away from the campsite and relocated.

Bears have a taste for beer

Bears have a sweet tooth, and their craving for sugar often leads them to alcoholic drinks, which are typically high in sugar content. This preference for sweets can also lead them to lick remaining droplets of alcohol from unwashed bottles in recycling facilities. Their sense of smell is incredibly acute, allowing them to detect even trace amounts of alcohol. As a result, bear hunting guides advise their clients to avoid drinking heavily or wearing alcohol-based perfumes the night before a hunt to prevent the bear from smelling them.

While it takes a significant amount of alcohol to affect a bear due to its large body weight, muscle mass, and fat content, they can indeed get drunk. In the case of the black bear at Baker Lake Resort, it consumed approximately 36 cans of Rainier Beer and exhibited signs of intoxication, including stumbling and climbing a tree to sleep it off. The bear even returned the next day, seeking more beer, demonstrating its strong attraction to the beverage.

To prevent attracting bears, campers are advised to follow standard bear-safety practices. This includes properly storing food and beverages, choosing open campsites away from trails and streams, maintaining a clean camp, and disposing of trash properly. While beer may not be the primary trigger for bear attacks, taking precautions and treating it like food can help minimize the risk of unwanted encounters with these curious and thirsty creatures.

So, while bears might have a taste for beer, it's important for humans to be responsible and bear-safe when enjoying a cold one in the great outdoors.

Bears can get drunk

Bears can, indeed, get drunk, and this is a fascinating, if somewhat unusual, concept. This is because bears have a very high tolerance for alcohol, and it takes a significant amount to affect them. However, they can still become inebriated under certain circumstances. Firstly, let's consider their physiology. Bears have an incredibly efficient digestive system, with a long, complex stomach that can break down and absorb a wide variety of substances, including potential toxins like alcohol. Their massive livers are also key, as this organ processes and filters toxins, and a bear's liver is proportionally larger than that of humans, relative to body size, and is extremely efficient.

Despite these adaptations, it is still possible for a bear to get drunk. If a bear consumes a large quantity of alcohol in a short period, their body may not be able to process it all efficiently, leading to a buildup of alcohol in the bloodstream, resulting in intoxication. The type of alcohol also matters; fermented fruits or honey, for example, are more likely to be consumed by bears and could lead to drunkenness, as the sugar content is higher and the alcohol produced is more concentrated.

Additionally, a bear's behavior can also increase the likelihood of intoxication. If a bear is already full from feeding, the additional calories from alcohol may be unnecessary, and the body may not metabolize the alcohol efficiently, leading to a higher potential for intoxication. Also, if a bear is stressed or injured, its digestive system may not function optimally, again increasing the chance of alcohol affecting them.

While it may be entertaining to imagine a tipsy bear, it is important to remember that, like humans, drunk bears can become a danger to themselves and others. A bear's natural instincts and behaviors can be impaired, leading to poor decision-making, clumsiness, and aggression. A drunk bear may also struggle to navigate effectively, potentially wandering into human-populated areas and causing a safety risk. Therefore, while bears getting drunk may seem amusing, it is a reminder that human activities, such as improper waste disposal, can have unintended consequences for wildlife.

A bear once drank 36 beers and passed out

In the first instance, in 2004, a black bear was found passed out on the lawn of Baker Lake Resort in Washington state. Dozens of empty cans of beer surrounded the bear, indicating that it had been on a drinking spree. The bear had a preference for Rainier Beer, leaving the Busch beer mostly untouched. The bear had climbed a tree to sleep off its intoxication for four hours before wildlife agents finally herded it away. However, the bear returned the next morning, and the agents had to use a trap baited with donuts, honey, and two open cans of Rainier to capture and relocate it.

The second incident occurred in 2019 at the same location, now known as the Swift Creek Campground in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Once again, a black bear was found passed out, this time with a trail of empty beer cans leading back to a campsite. The bear had punctured the cans with its teeth and claws and, just like in the previous incident, had a preference for Rainier Beer over Busch. Park officials tried to chase the bear away, but it was stumbling and couldn't walk straight, so it climbed a tree to nap. The bear was safely removed and relocated, and the story went viral on social media.

These incidents highlight the attraction that bears have towards beer and other alcoholic beverages. While it is uncommon for bears to get drunk, it is not unheard of, and they can certainly experience the effects of alcohol if they consume a large enough quantity. Proper precautions should be taken to secure food and beverages when camping or spending time in bear country to avoid unwanted encounters with these curious and resourceful creatures.

Bears are attracted to the odour of beer

Bears have been known to be attracted to fermenting fallen apples, and there are reports of the animals getting drunk on the fruit. Bears that are used to being around humans and our messy habits have also been observed biting into closed aluminium cans, having learned that they often contain food or liquid.

In one incident, a black bear was found passed out on the lawn of Baker Lake Resort in Washington state, surrounded by dozens of empty cans of Rainier Beer. The bear had apparently got into campers' coolers and used its claws and teeth to puncture the cans. It drank 36 cans of Rainier but ignored the Busch beer, showing a clear preference for one brand over another.

In another incident, a black bear was found passed out on the lawn of the Swift Creek Campground, again surrounded by dozens of empty beer cans. Once roused by park officials, the bear stumbled and couldn't walk straight, so it climbed a tree to take a nap.

While beer may attract bears, Herrero doesn't think backcountry drinkers need to be overly concerned. "I've been looking at bear attacks for 40 years plus, and I can't think of any that were triggered by beer," he says. However, he recommends that campers follow standard bear-safety advice: choose a clean, open campsite that's away from trails and streams; do your cooking and drinking at least 100 feet away from your tents, and preferably downwind; use a bear barrel or build a food cache, and keep all your smelly items – including toiletries – stashed away when not in use; keep a clean camp, and pack out all your trash.

Beer safety advice when camping in bear country

Beer safety is paramount when camping in bear country. Here are some essential tips to ensure your beer doesn't end up in a bear's belly:

Keep Your Beer Secure

Bears have a keen sense of smell, so storing your beer properly is crucial. Always use a bear-proof container, such as a bear canister or a bear box provided at some campsites. If you're car camping, use a bear locker if available; if not, invest in a BearVault to keep your beer away from your vehicle. Bears can open car doors, so always lock your car doors when you're not inside.

Dispose of Beer Waste Properly

Never dump beer on the ground, as the smell can attract bears. Fine-strain your dirty dishwater to remove food particles, and wipe your dishes with paper towels and antibacterial wipes before sealing them in a zipper bag for disposal.

Be Vigilant with Your Beer

When enjoying a cold one at your campsite, stay alert and keep your ears open. Bears can be sneaky, so don't let your beer become a bear's happy hour. Keep your beer close by, and never leave food unattended.

Avoid Beer Scents Near Your Tent

Cook your meals and wash your dishes away from your tent to avoid attracting bears to your sleeping area. Beer isn't the only thing that can lure a bear; scented soaps, toothpaste, sunscreens, and perfumes can also entice them.

Know the Bear Facts

Understand bear behavior and activity patterns. Bears are typically most active during summer mornings before sunrise and around sunset. Most bear attacks occur during the summer when campsites are occupied, and they are often due to people not understanding bear behavior. Knowing how to react to a bear encounter can make all the difference.

Remember, these tips are bear-necessities for your next camping trip!

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