[pct-l] Bears vs Habituated Bears

[Fred Walters]

Do people carry "bear spray" (or whatever it is called).  From what I read
people seem to think it can work in discouraging a bear.  However, many
consider that if you are sensible, discouraging a bear is unlikely to be
necessary (as they runaway given the opportunity).

I am not concerned about bears (I think motorway traffic, large lorries,
etc. are a much greater threat to life and limb).  However, bears are not
something those of us from the UK ever have to consider (unfortunately -
and re-introductions to our own wilder areas seem unlikely at the moment)
whereas I suspect in the US it is just something many live with, part of
countryside, something people are aware about, etc.

Fred

On Thu, Nov 29, 2012 at 1:55 AM, Brick Robbins <brick at brickrobbins.com>wrote:

> Don't be scared of bears, especially the non habituated ones in areas
> where they are hunted.
>
> Be concerned about Habituated Bears, like those that live in National
> Parks, or near popular camp sites (like near water sources in dry
> areas) that have learned how to steal hiker food.
>
> They are creatures of habit, so if you are camping in places that they
> are used to finding food, you will have problems. They learn that
> tents and backpack often have food in them. They learn what foil
> Freeze Dried food pouches look like. Most have learned that they can't
> open a bear canister, so they don't try anymore
>
> If you don't want to meet bears, don't camp in popular camp sites.
> Don't cook where you are going to camp. Don't wander off (like to get
> water) and leave your pack un attended.
>
> In reality, bear problems only exist in the Sierra, south of HWY 80,
> and really aren't all that bad there, except in the SEKI/Yosemite
> area.
>
> Be smart, and a little unconventional, and you won't have any
> problems. If you feel more comfortable, then by all means carry a bear
> canister from end to end, but remember that they are only really
> promoted for a very short section of your thru hike.
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