[pct-l] Predator -- Lions & Bears

[Lonetrail at aol.com (Lonetrail@aol.com)]

Most of the time when we hike its almost absolute quite. Just you the  rustle 
of the leaves a bird cry, your all along except for the dam  bugs. Think 
again. The next time while hiking or backpacking after a light  snow check all the 
foot prints. When you crawl out of your tent circle around  you may find cat 
tracks, bear tracks and you slept right thru it all. They  know all about you 
your smell, what you ate the night before and they can't wait  till you leave.
 
Lonetrail
 
 
  One of the reasons I have not joined into the mountain lion  discussion is 
that I do not want to be an alarmist.  When we trespass on  other animals turf 
we place ourselves at risk and we need to be aware and  intelligent but nor 
fearful.  That being said....
I recently took  a "predator class" with my training with SAR.  The F&G 
instructor said  that there was significant new finding of Black Bears stalking or 
being  predatory.  He mentioned that in a small percentage of deaths/attacks  
(which is small from BB anyways) that there was evidence that the BB had 
stalked  the victim for considerable amount of time.  This traditionally is more  
characteristic of Cats.  The vast majority and traditionally attacks were  from 
startling the bear or when the mother bear  instinct was aroused and  she was 
protecting her cubs.  I reiterate that, I bring this up only  because I am 
bored and I would rather be out there hiking and that I am NOT  trying to be 
alarmist.  Bring on the Lions TIgers and Bears --- O  yeah!

Shutterbugg