I want to learn how to hike in bear country

[1csleptonkayak]

I realize that I am possibly setting myself up for derision with this one, but here goes ...

This is a preliminary "feeler" to see if there is anyone who lives and hikes in any of the western mountain states who would be willing to show an old easterner the ropes of hiking in locations where (black or brown) bear encounters are likely. I'd love to spend a few days out with a seasoned hiker, or hikers who is/are diligent (even anal) about applying all the skills and following all the prescribed precautions to ensure a safe experience, and who wouldn't mind taking the time to pass their knowledge on.

I guess what I'm asking for is a cheap education, so in return, I could foot the bill for the food and local transportation for the trip. I hope that doesn't sound like a cheapskate offer for what I'm requesting. With a bit of notice, I can take almost any week off to make the trip.

I'm a fairly experienced and adequately-outfitted hiker, but have only done enough hiking in bear country to know that reading about all the skills to employ, and actually putting them into place are very different - especially if there isn't anyone around to provide experienced-based feedback.

Do me a favor and keep the flame throwers on low.

[mountainhanger]

Sounds like a generous offer and I hope someone steps up for you..

[OutandBack]

Hi 1csleptonkayak,
Are you hoping to view bears in the wild or just hike in bear country?
I know in Colorado bears are quite a fraid of humans and will run away at first site or smell.
Unless they wander into your backyard in the middle of the night and become confused and traped by all the fences.
Like this 400# male did in my backyard.

Link to several picts:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/outand...57632216779418

[1csleptonkayak]

Hi 1csleptonkayak,
Are you hoping to view bears in the wild or just hike in bear country?

Thanks for the response, and the question O&B.

Let me put it like this, just to clarify my purpose ... I'd like to get some first hand experience at what it takes to go into areas where everyone else is running into bears except for me. Not that I am afraid of seeing a bear - although I'd prefer my first encounter to happen when I'm with someone who has "been there before". I just want to develop the knowledge/skills/diligence/awareness (and peace of mind) to know that I am doing all that I can to protect myself and respect the wildlife. So, I guess if I get really good at avoiding bear encounters, I'll be less likely to see one. I hope that makes sense.

[12trysomething]

Hi 1csleptonkayak,
Are you hoping to view bears in the wild or just hike in bear country?
I know in Colorado bears are quite a fraid of humans and will run away at first site or smell.
Unless they wonder into your backyard in the middle of the night and become confused and traped by all the fences.
Like this 400# male did in my backyard.

Link to several picts:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/outand...57632216779418

Thanks for sharing these pictures, incredible! Worthy of their own thread

[Wraith6761]

Sounds like a nice deal, but you know you don't have to go west for that, right? Places like Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have very healthy bear populations (including at least one in Shenandoah that's quickly becoming a nuisance for stealing food from campsites), and I'm sure the park rangers would be happy to meet up with you and demonstrate methods and skills for responsible hiking/backpacking in bear country.

Either way, I hope you find a way to get that hands-on experience that you're looking for.

[Rex Clifton]

Assuming you keep a clean camp, don't sweat the bears out west. Its the mountain lions I worry about.

[dkurfiss]

Sounds like a nice deal, but you know you don't have to go west for that, right? Places like Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have very healthy bear populations (including at least one in Shenandoah that's quickly becoming a nuisance for stealing food from campsites), and I'm sure the park rangers would be happy to meet up with you and demonstrate methods and skills for responsible hiking/backpacking in bear country.

Either way, I hope you find a way to get that hands-on experience that you're looking for.

+1 on what Wraith said! I have spend many an hour talking and getting advice from park rangers. Most are very willing to provide you information about the animals in their area, how to avoid them, and how to keep yourself safe.

[Mountnman]

+1 on the lions. I have never sweated the bears but the lions are a scary critter. As far as the east I worry more about ticks than I ever have the bears.

[mbiraman]

I hope someone takes you up on your offer so you can feel relaxed on your first trip. Its good to be cautious when entering new territory. Having said that, as someone who lives in bear country, other than keeping a clean camp and hanging food we don't actually worry about bears, black bears that is. In my neck of the woods they run pretty quick. Grizzly country is different though. Your more concerned about accidentally running into a mom and her cubs. We carry bear spray for that but really encounters rarely happen. Its good to study tracks and scat so you know the difference between black and brown. One other thing we do is carry bear bangers. Good luck