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Author Topic: BEARS - need resources on bears and being safe while backpacking  (Read 695 times)
SPWhite24
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« on: July 30, 2010, 06:47:55 AM »
Hello everyone and good morning,
Although I have been a day hiker all my life, it is only recently that I am looking to take the step into overnight backpacking. With recent events in the news I am a little concerned about bears and for that matter other potentially dangerous animals one can encounter in the back country. I am looking to educate myself so that I and my family can enjoy backpacking together and be safe. Note that my three daughters will not be going till I have been on a couple trips and get more comfortable myself. Then I will bring them into it. I do realize there is always some danger as there is with driving to work each day. This is why I am looking for good resources with common since advice on limiting the risk so as not be become a fool. I would greatly like to hear from you who are definitely more experienced than I about resources to educate myself as well as other information on the ins and outs of this subject. What can one do to protect ones self? Does bear mace work? I thank you in advance for your input.
Thanks,
Steve
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muddy
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« Reply #1 on: July 30, 2010, 08:22:18 AM »
Yes the bear spray can work ? Dogs work too, so do guns.  Most of the time loud noise is enough. Also using common sense is the best approach to camping or hiking in areas where bears are at. Bears can smell very well, and like to eat and snoop around. Depending on where you are going, depends on the type of bears you will encounter. Polar Bears danger always, Brown bears, not as bad as the whites, but still they are of great concern, Black bears not so much of a problem, but still people get in trouble with them too. Depending on what time of the year you are exposing your self to with the bears is another concern too.
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chili
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« Reply #2 on: July 30, 2010, 10:02:31 AM »
Keep you food, toothpaste and anything else that might attract a bear away from the tent.  I always hang my food bag, but it is the raccoons and rats that I guard against more than bears most of the time.

Dont throw garbage or left over food in the firepit.  Don't get "photo happy" and intrude on a bear or cubs.

In short, use common sense.

Where do you plan on hiking?
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Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.

~~Kahlil Gibran
FUBAR
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« Reply #3 on: August 01, 2010, 01:39:02 PM »
What they said. Are you planning on being in Grizzly or Black Bear areas? Is the area you plan on hiking an area where people hunt bears? It is in national parks, that don't allow hunting ,where the bears can be a real nuisence. The general rule of thumb is, if attacked by a blackie fight back. If attacked by a griz, play dead. Make noise while hiking, especially in griz habitat, and keep any food items or good smelling items away from the tent. Bear spray has proven effective in most cases. Personally I only carry it in griz country. VERY IMPORTANT-make sure you advise the kids to NOT run if a bear is encountered. It is almost a guarantee that a bear will give chase on someone who runs.
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FUBAR
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« Reply #4 on: August 01, 2010, 02:15:07 PM »
A good read is Stephan Herrero's book on bear attacks and how to avoid them
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SPWhite24
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« Reply #5 on: August 01, 2010, 07:44:26 PM »
I guess I failed to mention. My first trip will be near Albuquerque New Mexico. My sweetheart (also a firsttimer) and I are going with a friend of her that is very experienced. I am sure she knows about alot of this stuff but I have not been able to talk with her since I live in Ohio. I am going to head down to the Smoky some day to. Learning to overnight will open alot of new opportunities for us. Thanks for all you input.
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muddy
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« Reply #6 on: August 02, 2010, 11:52:44 AM »
Did not see any at Stone Door this weekend, but the new ranger said that they are getting closer.
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Longlosthiker
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« Reply #7 on: August 02, 2010, 04:48:07 PM »
When I was a kid it seemed that a bear sighting in the Smokies was relatively rare.  But in the last ~5 years it seems I see a bear or bears every time I go.  I don't know if their numbers are growing or if they're just becoming more habituated to people.

The trail on this hike looped back downhill from this bear with tall, dense rhodo on either side.  I was clapping my hands and talking loudly all the way down.
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chili
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« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2010, 08:18:03 PM »
I think a relatively heavy mast in the past few years has helped the bear population at gsmnp. I would like to see some numbers on the population but I remember it being what I thought was a big number
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Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.

~~Kahlil Gibran
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