Topic
Become a member to post in the forums.
I’ve read reports that at one time Bear Vault brand canisters were being restricted by rangers in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. I think this is a thing of the past, but does anyone have any current information on BV canisters having problems in the Sierra?
I have a BV350. Bear Vault says that the BV350 is “Black Bear approved,” but they list the approving agency as the SIBBG which hasn’t existed for several years.
I have a BV350 and never had any problems. As far as I am aware it is an approved canister everywhere except a small area in the Anarondaks due to the bear Yellow Yellow and now her cubs. I used mine in SEKI twice the past couple of years as well as in RMNP, and WRR. It's been approved at all locations.
SEKI's website lists it as approved: http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/bear_bc.htm, then click the link that says, "View a list of the 2015 containers allowed for use in these parks."
SEKI approves it, but if that one bear is roaming in Paradise Valley again, the roads end ranger will tell you so and let you know to keep the bear vault in the lockers . They warned me at least twice in the past four years .
SEKI approves it, but if that one bear is roaming in Paradise Valley again, the roads end ranger will tell you so and let you know to keep the bear vault in the lockers . They warned me at least twice in the past four years .
They didn’t mention it last year when I started a trip there in June, but that doesn’t mean that bear isn’t around anymore.
I have a BV350 and never had any problems. As far as I am aware it is an approved canister everywhere except a small area in the Anarondaks due to the bear Yellow Yellow and now her cubs. I used mine in SEKI twice the past couple of years as well as in RMNP, and WRR. It’s been approved at all locations.
Even BearVault says on their website that use of a BearVault in Adirondack State Park is not recommended.
SEKI’s website lists it as approved: http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/bear_bc.htm, then click the link that says, “View a list of the 2015 containers allowed for use in these parks.”
OK, that pretty much settles it.
Thanks,
I don't know why they keep recommending against the BV350, since Yellow-Yellow was killed in a legal bear hunt a few years ago.
From what I understand she was the only bear to ever figure out how to open one.
Her offspring never learned how and there have been no recorded instances since.
I could be wrong on this though.
No, she wasn't. But that's neither here nor there, if you never visit Kings Canyon.
All of these canisters are labeled bear resistant, not bear proof, for a reason. One of the Yosemite bears knows how to break canisters by flinging them off cliffs, and I'm sure it doesn't matter which one it is. They aren't prohibiting certain canisters because of it. Just warning people who visit the area the bear commits the crime.
I don't let bears fiddle with the canisters for this reason – I use tree wells to corral the canister if possible and set up an early warning system if not so I can drive them away. I hesitate to ponder what they'd make us carry if canisters aren't working well enough any more….
"I hesitate to ponder what they'd make us carry if canisters aren't working well enough any more…."
One of the Yosemite bears knows how to break canisters by flinging them off cliffs…
Zoiks. Note to self: Don’t camp near cliffs.
I don’t let bears fiddle with the canisters for this reason.
Yeah, bears are pretty smart. Given time, they’ll figure out something. So don’t give them time.
I hesitate to ponder what they’d make us carry if canisters aren’t working well enough any more…
[shudder] Don’t talk like that.
They still haven't caught/transferred/put down that bear? I was in YNP two years ago near top of Snow Creek and crossed paths with a ranger toting a tranquilizer rifle, specifically looking for the cliff-roller. I'm only aware of it happening in that one particular area — the bear wouldn't just roll canisters off any ol' cliff, no point in smashing it open if it's 2,000 feet down an impossible grade. Instead, this bear had found a particular spot where the drop was enough to crack open the canisters (perhaps 100' or so) but still accessible to for it to reach afterwards. The warning at the time was only for people camping at the top of Snow Creek Falls, within "rolling" distance of the favored spot on the cliff.
"One of the Yosemite bears knows how to break canisters by flinging them off cliffs"
A few months ago I backpacked/camped on Glacier Point and the area where we 'had' to put the canister was on a slope. I really worried that a bear might nudge it loose only to have it drop ~2500 feet, but thankfully no bears were around.
" I hesitate to ponder what they'd make us carry if canisters aren't working well enough any more…."
12 gauge pump?
The only difference between these two originally is that the 350 had only one tab on the lid, correct? Won't BV send you a new lid if you wanted one?
I like to stash my canister where a bear has to work it a little to get to it and feel you need to be close enough to go chase the bear off. I've had more issues with deer than bears. Nothing like deer slobber on your stashed canister or deer that circle the camp like vultures.
Duane
Ken- I think that is correct and at one time they were sending out new kids for free, but I think they charge for new lids now (I could be wrong). Personally I like the one tab rather than two and plan on using the 350 as long as it is an approved canister.
"they were sending out new kids for free"
New kids, or new lids? There is a big difference.
A friend of mine had an old BearVault when the new lids came out, so he contacted the company to see what they would do. Not only did they send him a new lid for free, they sent him a whole new BearVault for free. Such a deal. That must have been somebody's mistake.
–B.G.–
Become a member to post in the forums.
Brynje Mesh BaselayersBrynje baselayers use open mesh construction to move moisture away from the skin, create insulating air pockets, and help regulate body temperature across changing conditions and activity levels.
© Beartooth Media Group Inc.
Loading...
