[pct-l] More Musings on Bears and What Attracts Them

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (dsaufley@sprynet.com)]

Okay, I've had one of Jeff's outstanding margaritas, and I'm feeling brave enough to pose this real, yet quite personal question.  I hope I don't offend anyone by asking, but I sincerely wonder about this and never saw it addressed.

This weekend we headed up into "active bear country" (that's what the signs said, along with all of the warnings), up from Horseshoe Meadows to New Army Pass, and back, camping along the shores of Upper South Fork Lake.  Following closely all of the recommendations, I put every scented thing that we had in our possession in the bear cannister, 25 ft. away from our tent.  All except for one thing -- me.  I happened to be having my period (of course I would have it  -- I'd been looking forward to the outing for weeks, and as all women know, these things always happen when you least want them to).   

I have heard (once again, this is an unsubstantiated rumor rather than a known fact) that bears are attracted to the scent of menstruating women.  How or why they're attracted, I don't know, just that they're drawn to the scent.  Does anyone know if this is true?  I know how sensitive bears' noses are.  I took great care to stow all waste, including personal items, in the bear can, of course keeping things separate and sealed from food items.  But despite fastidious personal hygiene, I still felt vulnerable -- it was the one thing I could not control.  Is there any basis or cause to be concerned?

BTW, the outing was awesome and the scenery mind blowing.  

For my next topic, gas and flatulence at elevation -- is it just me? 

L-Rod