# Bear cache

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{{Short description|Place for storing food outdoors}}
{{use mdy dates|date=August 2012}}
[[File:Bear Cache.jpg|thumb|right|A permanent bear cache in [Alaska](/source/Alaska)]]
A '''bear cache''', '''food cache''' or '''bear box''' is a place designed to [store food](/source/food_storage) outdoors and prevent [bear](/source/bear)s and other animals from accessing it.  They are used by [campers](/source/camping) when staying in bear habitat.  They can also be used by [hunters](/source/hunters) for storing [game](/source/game_(food)). A bear cache  is often a structure that is more permanent, not to be confused with a [bear canister](/source/Bear-resistant_food_storage_container).

==Designs==
A makeshift cache can be made by hanging the food from a tree branch using rope, called a [bear bag](/source/bear_bag).  The cache should be 100 metres/300 feet from the campsite and downwind if possible.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.mec.ca/AST/ContentPrimary/Learn/HikingAndCamping/CampingSafety/BearFreeCampsite.jsp | title = Éviter les mauvaises rencontres en milieu sauvage |language  = fr | work = Mountain Equipment Company| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120419232615/https://www.mec.ca/AST/ContentPrimary/Learn/HikingAndCamping/CampingSafety/BearFreeCampsite.jsp | archive-date = April 19, 2012 }}</ref>  To be effective, the food must be distanced from the branch, the trunk, and the ground.  When a suitable tree is not available, hanging the food over a cliff is a possible alternative.

In areas popular with both people and bears, permanent caches are often built.  These include poles for hanging, steel [cabinet](/source/cabinet_(furniture))s, and raised structures with removable [ladders](/source/ladders).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.girlguides.ca/WEB/Documents/BC/camping/BearCaching.pdf | title = Bear Caching | work = Girl Guides of Canada}}</ref>

A bear cache built upon upright tree trunks may be the model of the legendary [Baba Yaga](/source/Baba_Yaga)'s hut.{{cn|date=August 2025}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:BearPole.jpg|A metal pole with pulleys and rope
Image:Bear caches.jpg|Metal boxes with bear-proof latches
Image:Moose Creek Shelter Cabin cache.jpg|A wooden structure with a ladder
File:Sami Storehouse.jpg|Traditional [Sami](/source/Sami_people) bear cache, ''ájtte''.
File:Niliaitta.jpg|Traditional [Finnish](/source/Finns) bear cache, ''patsasaitta''.
</gallery>

==See also==
*[Bear attack](/source/Bear_attack)
*[Bear danger](/source/Bear_danger)
*[Bear-resistant food storage container](/source/Bear-resistant_food_storage_container)
*[Backpacking with animals](/source/Backpacking_with_animals)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

Category:Camping equipment
Category:Food storage

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Bear cache](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_cache) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_cache?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.