Bear attack of hammock camper last night in GSMNP

[brianb]

Funny, one night I ran a perimeter of spectra fishing line (60lb) around my hammock because I thought I was too close to a game trail and didn't want a deer bounding into me by mistake. Leaned a bunch of branches against the line to give the deer something to think about when moving thru. I thought about putting some kind of noise maker on the line using my cook kit but didn't.

[SGT Rock]

I think they make IR battery operated early warning devices.

[Dead Man]

In watching the news story with the father commenting on the event I was greatly moved by the emotion in the father's voice. I love my kids deeply, as everyone else on this forum does, but that father definitively put action to the words. Courageous father + fortunate son = me, a humbled observer. Praying I would be as courageous in the face of such immediate and profound savagery. That is an awesome father. A man of the highest definition.

[MDSH]

One could hook up a perimeter/trip wire to a bear banger or whistle: http://www.truflareusa.com/product_catalog.htm

[dirtwheels]

I always figured global warming would mean more warm weather, you know warming and all, seems like more food with longer growing seasons. Seems the bear is as confused as me at all this global warming, in the 80's I was disappointed the 70's ice age predictions failed too, so confused, where's my hammock...

DD, you are so right looking at the small framed guy who jumped on the bears back and started punching the bears face, that is the very definition of courage.

[SGT Rock]

No doubt. Salute to dad!

[brianb]

Agreed, prayers for a speedy recovery for the son, and much respect for the dad.

[SGT Rock]

Update: http://www.wbir.com/story/news/local...-boy/28742819/

Bear has been euthanized.

[ChefLamont]

My father-in-law strings fishing line with bells around his beehives. Might not be the worst idea to set up a perimeter around your hammock. I'm sure I would get caught up in it during the nightly trip to pee, but probably worth it. My wife is trying to get me to carry a side-arm with me know when I camp. Pros and cons to this approach, but I am considering it. She said that you can be armed in the Smokies now. Is that correct?

My understanding is if you have a concealed carry permit for the state you are hiking in (TN or NC) or have a permit in a state with reciprocity with them, then you can carry in the park except in places clearly marked. You would want to make double sure you have your permit and ID with you if you do and check state and local laws.

So you can. Whether you SHOULD is fodder for another thread...

[sargevining]

Actually, the way the law reads is that, in National Parks and Forests, you are authorized to carry in whatever way the local laws state. The means that in States like Vermont, which have Constitutional Carry laws, one can carry openly. Other States restrict Open Carry to only CCL holders.