Backpackers concerned about a black bear in Montana's Bitterroot National Forest have the option of buying one-way travel insurance.
Montana's News Station reports that backpackers had a close encounter with a black bear over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, with three of their tents torn up as they camped near Big Creek Lake in the forest.
Worryingly, the bear wasn't put off by the presence of the backpackers themselves and so forest officials have reiterated some of the basic precautions that people should take to avoid coming into contact with the potentially dangerous animals.
Bears are frequently attracted by the smell of food and so backpackers could avoid cooking anything with a strong odour, making sure food isn't left lying around and keeping supplies hanging ten feet above the ground.
Authorities also recommend that people avoid sleeping in the same clothes they wore when they ate a meal, as this makes it less likely that a bear will be attracted to a backpacker's body.
Gap year travel insurance is always an option for adventurous individuals.
Backpackers could also avoid wearing cotton clothing while trekking as sudden weather changes can make sweaty clothes very cold, according to Examiner.com.
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