[pct-l] bears and food

[m.karon at comcast.net (Marshall Karon)]

I think you will be OK because you camp wisely.

I'll only say this. On our 2000 PCT through hike we saw a bear only once (in
Northern California) and it ran when it saw us. On another section through
the High Sierras, I never saw a bear either (was August-Sept). But, you do
hear stories.

However, the bears are there (although at over 8000 feet in June I doubt
it). Bears love food, especially if it is easy to get to. Once they get it,
it is theirs. And if the bears are trained in the National Parks -  they
don't scare and know how to get your food. In the High Sierra (parks), a
bear canister is now required (officially). If you get caught without one,
big fine, I've read. If you camp low where the bears are, camp where
hundreds of others have been, camp in organized camp places, you can have
the experience of bears getting to your food. But, in many of those places
you may find bear boxes, but that means you need to be sure to make the
mileage. I have seen the remains of bear bagging, but it is not recommended.
The park bears know what to do.

Me, I'll sleep with my food, camp high, and take my chances (and probably be
illegal). Worst I've had were mice chewing through the tent. And I wouldn't
worry about the bears - til next time!

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@comcast.net

----- Original Message -----
From: "scott deputy" <oz4130@yahoo.com>
To: <pct-l@backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2003 5:33 PM
Subject: [pct-l] bears and food


> I'm in the planning stages for an '04 hike,  I've been watching this list
for a while but haven't seen this question posed.  Bears and Food:
>
> How often do you bear bag you food while thru hiking?  I usually hike a
couple of miles after dinner and don't camp at established sites
>
> I thought that canisters are required on some parts of the trail.  Are
there also places where  boxes are provided.
>
> I'm from the midwest and don't have much bear experience. Just looking to
hear what is commonplace among thru hikers
>
> thanks
>
> dep
>
>
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