[pct-l] Bear canisters

[Rod Belshee]

The vast majority of food for black bears in less than an inch big --grubs, berries, etc (except for fish).

If you have ever seen as black bear feeding in the wild, it is truly impressive.  I've  watched them just gently swing at a log to find grubs. A seemingly mild swing literally explodes the log. Those shoulder muscles and long claws are very effective.

I was nearby some "attacks" on backpackers a few years ago. In this case, teenagers had accidentally kept candy wrappers in their clothes pockets while they slept. The "attack" was reported as bears attacking the tent during the night, severely injuring the teenagers. It seemed to me to be exactly the same feeding behavior I had seen before --if they think there might be food inside something they just knock it apart to find out. They were not are looking at humans as food, but are opportunistic and willing to take a powerful swipe at a tent and sleeping bag to see if there might be food within.

Andrea asks if bears will push you to side to get your food. I'd say yes, but caution that the push may still be very hazardous.

Grizzlies are different. But for black bears, the key is to have not smells --no reason for then to want to swipe at the tent. For me, I kept food in four layers of ziplocks and trash compactor bags. I've had mice standing on my pack trying to figure out where the food is, and they have never decided to chew into my food sack (common on the PCT in WA). 

So I generally sleep with my food, making sure there are no smells. On the other hand, much of this thread was about the areas where bear canisters are required. To me, there is no discussion required --it's the law. I carried a canister. And I found out that I liked it. I liked being able to just hike as far as I wanted, and the camp anywhere regardless of a bear locker. I've since used a canister where it is not required, because it offers great freedom and peace of mind.

Steady Sr (PCT04)



From: Andrea Dinsmore 
Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2008 5:07 PM
To: Austin Williams 
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Bear canisters


I've got a silly question. Not being a hiker myself........if a bear smells
your food.....and you are sleeping with it ....is he really going to push
you away to get to your food and not go for you too ??

PCT MOM