Black Bears & Hammocks

**DRobertson** · 03-23-2014, 15:12

Hammonkey, I hope you know the forum rules on language. >

**Z06** · 03-23-2014, 17:46

Was talking with my account last week. We were discussing my upcoming motorcycle trip to AK. Told him I would be using the hammock up there. He commented that me in a hammock would look like a giant hotdog to a grizzly

**Deadphans** · 03-23-2014, 18:01

Originally Posted by Hammonkey

blackbears are the biggest cowards of the woods. Dont worry about them, and they'll stay far away from you.

Yea, every one I have seen they were scampering the other way. Only once in spring when I saw fresh momma bear and cub tracks did I freeze and got out of the area quickly.

**alifeoutdoors** · 03-23-2014, 18:57

I live in Bayfield County, the back of my property is a 15 minute walk from the NCT so I spend a good amount of time hanging in the woods around here

I've never had one come into camp or even run into one on the trail. Only once from a good distance while day hiking. I've had far more close encounters in the Boundary Waters and every one ended up with the bear running off. Sometimes simply by spying us, others with a little yelling. Like everyone is saying keep a clean camp, be aware so you don't startle that rare, rare occasion otherwise you're good. Don't even let you bother you for a second hammock or otherwise. I've been hanging for years and as I mentioned one's never come calling or sniffing at that strange human hanging above the ground.

**NirvanaFan** · 03-25-2014, 07:44

Like has been said, I'd worry about your food more than anything. In the Adirondacks where I like to go hiking, we have to use bear canisters (no Ursacks allowed). And, the Garcia Machine is highly recommended. There was a bear who was able to open the BearVault (the same one in the video below). The bears are used to people, and aren't really afraid.

**mbiraman** · 03-25-2014, 10:13

Like allot of other folks have said , keep your camp clean and most likely you'll have no problems.
About being near or in-between a mother and cubs, your not really in danger , as someone else mentioned she needs to be alive to bring up her cubs so doesn't want a confrontation, but she is looking for your intentions so show her by slowly backing away from the cubs, keep calm and don't fix your gaze on her or the cubs. +1 for bear bangers,,,,,,, compact,,easy to use,,cheap.
Grizzlies. You should not go into Grizzly area's without bear spray. Grizzlies are no joke . They act first and ask questions later. Chances are you'll never see one but be prepared. The exception to this is in certain area's on the BC coast like The Great Bear area where they are quite tolerant.

**Cactusjack** · 03-25-2014, 11:20

I think if it was an issue you would have heard horror stories on this forum.

**Oms** · 03-25-2014, 13:15

You should not go into Grizzly area's without bear spray. Grizzlies are no joke . They act first and ask questions later.

Now you tell me

**peello** · 03-25-2014, 13:21

Last year in the BWCA I was camping on Lincoln Island on Basswood Lake and woke up to bear just starting to rummage through my gear under my hammock. I sat up, looked out and was basically nose to nose with him. He quickly jumped away from me and started walking away. By the time I got out of my hammock he already walked under my buddies tarp. I grabbed my camera and was able to get some pretty good footage.

Now, I know I should have blew a whistle or yelled at him to let him know he is not welcome in the campsite, but I felt no threat and was caught up in the moment and enjoyed the view.