Life one link down the foodchain

[Rick Dreher]

Black bear fatality in B.C.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003802140_webbear23m.html

[Anonymous]

I find myself wondering more and more in recent years if bears are not in the process of figuring out that the "mother lode" is the backpacker, not the backpack. Not enough data yet to go on but, still, I wonder.
As for the bikers, I just finished Dave Smith's informative book, "Backcountry Bear Basics", and he made a point of mentioning that biking in bear, especially grizzly, county is not a very good idea; You get into their personal space before they know you are there, which puts them in fight or flight mode and, with grizzlies, your odds aren't very good at that point, especially if it's a sow with cubs. Sounds like they lucked out.

[Worth Donaldson]

I just got back from Churchill, Manitoba commonly referred to as "Polar Bear Capital of the World". You want to stay out in the open so you can both see each other. I had the opportunity of traveling around with a local for several days in the bush and learned allot regarding the polar bears. I do not fear them but I do respect them!

[paul johnson]

Puma concolor v. oleoresin capsicum

doesn't sound like the much of the first sprays hit the cat in the nose or eyes. final reaction is what i've seen many times from dogs, i.e. the rubbing of the face on the ground.

[George Matthews]

I read "Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance" by Stephen Herrero

His research agrees that any fast moving activity like biking or trail running exposes humans to more potential attacks.

One fortunate stat for all of us who like the outdoors is how seldom a bear attack happens. When you consider the millions who every year do not get attacked, then we understand the true risk.

Last month while driving on Skyland Dr (Shenandoah N.P.) we stopped and observed a small (yearling ?) black bear. The bear at first ignored us. After maybe a minute, it climbed a tree and watched us for about 10 seconds. Then it climbed back down and continue to flip over rocks looking for food.

I have run into black bears while hiking, but was not as close like from our car. Up close you realize how strong even a small bear is as it flips rocks, etc. Also the speed the bear showed when it climbed the tree was amazing.

The whole experience lasted a couple of minutes, but was really interesting.

[Joseph Jacaruso]

Cubs are interesting to watch but give them plenty of space. My son walked into a clearing in the Smokeys and discovered a cub playing. He froze and looked slowly around for the sow. He then retreated slowly back the way he came.

We discussed the incident with a ridge runner later that day (he was asking about bear activity on the AT. There had been a lot at one of the shelters.). He said mom was probably observing the entire incident and would have made her presence known if he had approached the cub.

I think the thing to remember is that this is their home. We are the visitors and have to play by their rules. My wife is concerned about bears everytime my son and I head out. So far I've never actually seen a bear, but I'm sure they've seen me.

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