Bear Spray needed in Island Lake/ Titcomb Basin?

I have hiked the Winds a lot over the last 8 years. I used to take spray, but generally see little evidence of bear activity. I really can’t tell you if it is “necessary” or not.  You are headed to probably the most crowded human area of the winds, if that makes a difference.

If you have never discharge the spray, you might want to try it at the end of your trip.    Its a good learning experience, especially when you get a bit of blow back.   I have given mine to DNR or ranger ranger types at the trailhead who happened to be there, or just left it at the trailhead for any locals to have.

I’ve never carried it in WRR.  The only place I’ve ever seen any signs of bear activity was Ranger Park.  I’ve never seen any sign of bears around Peak Lake, Knapsack Col, Titcomb Basin, Island Lake, Indian Basin/Pass area.

I would practice good food storage practices but would not take bear spray.

I have never carried bear spray in the Winds either.  In the past 45 years of yearly trips there, I have had one bear encounter but have seen evidence nearly every trip.

I used to see more people carrying side arms and spray but that seems to have died down.   As always, you don’t need it until you do.

Couple thoughts. Just because other people saw no bears doesn’t mean you won’t.  Bears move around a bit depending on the season. Right now our Alaska for example bears are all down in the valleys.  Little chance of seeing one on a mountain top. Come fall they are eating berries up high. And grizzly bears are moving farther south in the winds.

Now having said all that I don’t think the alpine areas of the winds are great bear habitat ever so I wouldn’t worry to much. If spray makes you feel better its cheap peace of mind.

Now fun fact. I type this from a tree blind. A mother grizzly and 2 cubs were here earlier. A small black bear just left. I’m hoping to see a large boar griz that’s in the area. Last week none of these bears were present. Apparently the bigger Grizzlies ran off the small one that used to hang out.

I would have at least one can with you. I think it’s imprudent not to. Like a handgun, “you don’t need one until you need one badly.”

Last trip to the Winds, we found a bear skull first night out. We all carried spray. Saw packers with sidearms.  Saw no live bears.

I would bring bear canisters and cook away from tents. We got canisters from the Forest Service as rentals. Maybe they have spray too.

Three years ago we camped at a campground west of Dubois. There were grizzlies grazing on grass alongside the highway. Camp host said one had upended a large dumpster looking for food.

I have not carried it in the Winds. I have seen no bears there or signs of bear activity. For me, I would leave the bear spray home.

Thanks everyone for the responses. Looks like it’s a personal choice for this area. We will definitely be practicing safe food storage practices. I’m going to give the spray some thought.

I have the experience of only one Winds trip (so far!) but having pondered and researched this question a lot before that trip, I think two things are clear:  (1) There have been grizzly sightings in the Winds, even in the southern reaches, and (2) very few people have experienced such sightings and most people report seeing little or no bear sign.  I carried spray but saw no bears (dead or alive) and no bear sign.  Whatever you choose, enjoy the trip!

Ran across a black bear near the small lakes off Pole Creek on the bottom part of my loop.  No bears likely up in the Basins.  I bought some in Pinedale anyway, but I’m a bear magnet.