Bears n Camping

[fly fisher]

I've lived in NW Montana just outside of Glacier National Park for the past twenty years. We're known for our healthy population of Black & Grizzly Bears.

My experiences have included many nights camping out in the woods of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Glacier National Park & surrounding forests. I've encountered numerous bears, yet have never had a significant bear incident.

No difference to me if I'm in a hammock or a tent. I prefer sleeping with nothing over me and do so often. I don't worry about critters bothering me. I do carry bear spray when I'm traveling in areas known to have a high concentration of bears. And, bring the bear spray to bed with me. Wild critters running around are part of the enjoyment.

I'm more concerned about negative bear encounters when I visit Glacier & Yellowstone National Parks. The bears act funny there - - they're conditioned to humans so they're not as fearful. When I'm visiting these parks, I almost always carry my bear spray when I venture into the wilder sections. In contrast, the bears in neighboring Bob Marshall Wilderness rarely get frisky with people; they'll usually avoid people, except when they've been conditioned or rewarded with food.

When I'm concerned about bears, I carry a reputable bear spray, Counter Assault; it's the preferred deterrent in these parts. Large bore handguns are also chosen. However, when the time comes, will you be able to hit the target? (I sold my .44 Mag.)

Bears represent wildness. Enjoy the bears!

fly fisher

[MedicineMan]

You're saying my loud mouth keeps them away! Agreed!
and in blind spots of the trail I do clack my poles together to prevent 'surprises'!
Another dangerous animal kinda like the logic you gave with the deer running through your hammock is elk.
Again on a Smokies loop, talking to a local who spends a lot of time in the park. He opened my eyes to the danger of an cow elk with calf. He put it in a thought provoking way. He asked what can kill you quicker-a bear, a boar or an elk? He answered himself saying the elk because it can run much faster, is heavier, and imagine something 600 pounds bowling you over at 45 mph.

[zugcat]

Black Bears are an under-rated danger IMO.

I agree! I heard once (sorry can't cite source) that the male black bear was statically the one more likely to cause a fatality. They can decide humans are prey. Specifically if they are accustomed to humans. Black bear have more chances to acclimate to people.

As a Ranger once told me "A fed bear is a dead bear."

I hike in the Cascades where there are a lot of black bears. Most of the time they are not real threat. However, I have a health respect for them and keep my smellable well away up a tree.

[Oper8or]

Well here is a little bit on what they say to do in the GSMNP.

http://www.smokiesinformation.org/th...kies-challenge

There is a video on the page that explains what to do with our bear friends.

[Sailor]

I don't pretend any specialist knowledge with bears, but I've had a few encounters. Mostly of the inquisitive kind, but one of the hungry sort. Girlfriend (at the time) had not listened closely to suggestions. (Note to future girlfriends: no gum in pack, please). In that instance, I did have a handgun, and in those days, I carried one on a professional basis, so I felt competent. However, I can tell you that, at that moment when Yogi and I were face to face and he was licking his chops, it did not seem to me that my quick draw, quick aim plan "a" was likely to have a quick positive effect I needed. While a 9mm isn't a .44, any bullet's got to hit the exact right spot to have an immediate result with an Ursusian. I resorted to other tried and true means.

Bear spray seems to me more likely to dissuade a bear, though the sprayer needs to be prepared that he'll likely get some on himself.

Keeping all food well away and secure may be the best way to sleep soundly. And remembering, in the woods, we are their guests...

[Chenvre]

I live in eastern North America, so we only have Black Bears (thankfully)

They are usually little to no threat, provided you practice the very important art of keeping your site CLEAN.

Keep your campsite from smelling like a buffet, string your food up away from your site, and read up on what to do when encountering dangerous wildlife native to the area, and you really should be fine. I might feel safer with a spray/firearm, but I have never felt like I needed it, even having encountered a bear once on a trail.

Bears usually don't want to hang around with campers. They get lured there by the smell of food. Prevent this and you should greatly lower your chances of an encounter. Another good practice is making sure you're not a stealth hiker. If a bear hears or knows you are coming, most times they will avoid you. What you don't want is to surprise a bear you've snuck up on because you are quiet when walking through the woods. When I solo hike I use a bear bell. Hiking with others, you usually make enough noise via conversations.

I'd also have to say, I'd rather be in a hammock than a tent, because if things get hairy, you can bug out of a hammock WAY faster than a tent, not to mention, you have a very good view of your surroundings in a hammock, which makes me feel safer than a tent where you do not have a 360 degree view, and only one exit.

Raccoons and bears would sound identical to me if I was in a tent I could not see out of!

[BillyBob58]

Well here is a little bit on what they say to do in the GSMNP.

http://www.smokiesinformation.org/th...kies-challenge

There is a video on the page that explains what to do with our bear friends.

Thanks for the link, good info!

[TomsBackwoods]

In North Idaho we have grizzlies and black bear cougar and now a growing wolf population. I think most hunter's will tell you its a scent thing.If you dont mask your scent or use scent blocker of some sort your scent is going to give you away and scare off most critter's. Its important to not smell edible most critter's dont like the human scent. I have always used odor control bags like these http://www.ursack.com/product9.html
Remember when you string up your food in a tree that the wind blows the scent of the food all over .(Hanging un protected food is the best method I have found to bait in bears while hunting)
Our Fish and game officer suggest you always carry bear spray in bear country.Its just one more thing on your side to help you if you need it...
Take care!

[dla]

In North America, grizzlies have actually killed more people than black bears in the last 30 years,.

Hmmm, not sure about that. Do you have a link that shows those stats? Thanks!

[BullFrog]

Hmmm, not sure about that. Do you have a link that shows those stats? Thanks!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._North_America

Wikipedia's list of reported fatal bear attacks in North America. From 1980-present, the count is 36 brown to 32 black.

The list may not be all inclusive and may be missing a few cases, but the point is that by number, brown bears are much more likely to cause a fatality, which is still very unlikely.