Emergency Numbers:

General Emergency - Dial 911 (Be sure to give clear coordinates or landmark info, as response time may be delayed due to remoteness.)

U.S. Forest Service- Kawishiwi Ranger Station (Ely, MN): (218) 365-7600- Gunflint Ranger District (Grand Marais, MN): (218) 387-1750- LaCroix Ranger District (Cook, MN): (218) 666-0020

St. Louis County Sheriff – Search & Rescue (Ely area): (218) 749-7134

Cook County Sheriff – Search & Rescue (Gunflint Trail area): (218) 387-3030

Common Symptoms:

Hypothermia- Shivering- Slurred speech or mumbling- Clumsiness or lack of coordination- Confusion or drowsiness- Cold, pale skin

Dehydration- Dry mouth and lips- Headache or dizziness- Fatigue or weakness- Dark yellow urine or infrequent urination- Confusion or irritability

Heat Stroke- High body temperature (over 103°F / 39.4°C)- Hot, red, or dry skin (no sweating)- Rapid pulse- Confusion or disorientation- Loss of consciousness

First Aid Reference:

Bleeding- Apply firm, direct pressure with clean cloth or bandage.- Elevate if possible.- If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, keep pressure and seek help.

Bites & Stings- Remove stinger if present (scrape, don’t squeeze).- Wash area, apply cold compress.- Use antihistamine for swelling or itching.- Watch for allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling of face/throat, use epinephrine if available and seek help immediately.

Burns- Cool the area with clean water (do not use ice).- Cover loosely with a clean, non-stick bandage.- Don’t pop blisters.

Hypothermia- Remove wet clothing, warm slowly using dry layers, sleeping bag, and body heat.- Give warm drinks if conscious.

Heat Stroke or Exhaustion- Move to shade, cool with water and wet cloths.- Sip water slowly.- If they stop sweating, seem confused, or lose consciousness, cool rapidly and seek help.

Dehydration- Sip water regularly. Add electrolytes if available.- Rest and stay cool.

When to Get Help- Loss of consciousness- Trouble breathing- Deep wounds or severe burns- Signs of stroke, heart attack, or allergic reaction- Suspected broken bones or spinal injury

Bear Encounters:

Black bears are common in the Boundary Waters but tend to avoid people when left alone. However, they have a strong sense of smell and will seek out campsites if they detect food. Avoid cooking near your tent, and never store food, snacks, or scented items (like toothpaste or deodorant) in your sleeping area. 

If you do encounter a bear in camp, make noise, appear large, and slowly back away — never run. Most bears will move on once they realize you’re a human and not an easy meal.

Hanging a Food Bag / Bear Bag:

The best method for keeping bears (and other critters) out of your food is to hang it properly. Use the “10-10-4 rule”: hang your food bag 10 feet off the ground, 10 feet away from the trunk, and at least 4 feet below the branch. Choose a strong branch that can support the weight of your bag without bending too low. Store all food, trash, and scented items in the bag, and hang it before dusk. Bear-resistant containers are also an option, but proper hanging remains one of the most effective backcountry methods.