Does this sound safe?

[mitch5252]

...I think we're s little safer in Alfalfa because they really, really try to make everyone aware to not let bears, etc have access to your food.

..
I am just going to behave myself this morning...
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[Bethers]

...I think we're s little safer in Alfalfa because they really, really try to make everyone aware to not let bears, etc have access to your food.

..
I am just going to behave myself this morning...
..

nah, don't lol

[BirdbyBird]

From what I have heard, CArol is real good at that "lets make noise" we just saw some fresh bear scat sort of thing.

[mitch5252]

When I was little, we'd camp in northern MN and MT. Out on hikes in the woods, Dad would make one of us bang on a pot with a spoon and/or talk really loud every so often. Bear never got any of us...

[Deeann]

Since we're talking about bears, guns and self protection all in the same sentence it might be a good idea to mention that the best protection against bears is avoidance. Make lots of noise as you hike. Take Mitch along and have her rattle the pots and pans. If you get really unlucky and do encounter a bear you want to have bear spray with you. It is your best defense. A shot gun will not bring down a bear. That's out of the question. It takes a high powered rifle and the correct ammo to drop a grizzly. And you better be a very good, experienced shooter. Plus, you will likely encounter that bear at a close range and if it charges you, you won't have time to unsling a rifle, put it to your shoulder, sight it in, and pull the trigger. Only seasoned hunters can do that kind of thing. And you'll be trembling like a leaf in a hurricane too. And you'll get no warning at all from a mountain lion. Travel in groups, make a lot of noise, and be watchful of your surroundings. Talk to the park rangers if you are in one of our national parks. They can tell you if there have been any recent sightings. And be sure to report a bear sighting as soon as you can. Be careful in campgrounds too. I've known of black bears, grizzlies, and bison to wander through campgrounds. Always leave all your car doors unlocked when you are camping. If you see a wild animal and don't feel safe, get in your vehicle. Since you'll be leaving your doors unlocked be sure to put your valuables in the trunk and out of sight. Thieves love to work that national parks.

I was hiking in Glacier Park one time out to see a waterfall. Hundreds of people a day make the same hike. The path was overgrown and the foliage was dense. It spooked me because I couldn't see 5 feet off the trail. A bear could be anywhere. I was glad to get back to my vehicle. I didn't see any bears there but I was driving in Glacier-Watertown Park in Canada, on my way to the town of Watertown. There was a grizzly in the road. I stopped my truck and watched him as this was the first time I had seen a griz in the wild. The foliage was very dense along the side of the road. The bear stepped off the road into the brush and was instantly out of sight. I knew he was still right at the edge of the road but he was invisible. That really spooked me to know that he was right next to me and I couldn't see hide nor hair of him. He walked about 10 feet along the road then stuck his head out of the brush and looked right at me. My friend in the truck with me couldn't see his head at all. He just blended right in to the surrounding area.

I never travel in fear. But I am a very cautious person. I never take any unnecessary chances. I keep my eyes and ears open. But I do not let fear run my life. I am armed when I travel and know how to use it. But I rely on common sense and caution to keep me out of situations where I would need a gun.

Thousands of single women travel daily in their rv's. Don't let fear keep you at home.

[VickieP]

When I was little,

[BarbaraRose]

When I was little,

For bears, wear some type of bells to let them know you are nearby. For cougars, DON'T RUN! I read where almost all cougar/mt lion attacks in California were joggers and bikers, people who were moving fast, which triggers a lions "chase" instincts.

Bear spray and a good walking stick are good to carry with. If you let fear control you, you will never enjoy being out in nature or being on the road/in campgrounds, etc. You will make yourself miserable. And if you are in fear mode, you are less likely to be able to think clearly if a situation does arise, putting yourself more at risk. Use common sense, and relax and enjoy the wildlife and people around you. Most campers (and people in general) are really nice, helpful, friendly people. And most animals want nothing to do with you.

And yes, if you stay home, you are still at risk.

[mitch5252]

And yes, if you stay home, you are still at risk.

Especially if you are at Vickie's home and she cooks for you.

[Deeann]

Good advice Barbara. Don't run from a bear either. I have read that the very large grizzlies can't climb trees. So if a huge one gets after you try to get up a tree and hope that what I read is true.

As far as Mitch's advice about Vickie.......I don't think climbing a tree will help.

[Bethers]

I did have a very close encounter with a grizzly. We looked at each other and if someone had been there with a camera you would have heard us both say, oh shit. By the time I picked Peaches up, the grizzly had taken off running, away from us. EXACTLY what is supposed to happen. There would have been no time to do anything. Funny I don't think of that as a scary moment, but it clearly was. Hey, I didn't pee my pants, and am here to tell about it. My close encounters with black bears were never scary. That said, I have a very deep respect for all wildlife and I pay attention to the distance rules. Now someone has to teach those to the wildlife lol.

Bears in Alaska eat well. The important thing is to make sure they are eating well on their berries and salmon.

[mitch5252]

As far as Mitch's advice about Vickie.......I don't think climbing a tree will help.

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Only thing that would help THAT is keeping your mouth closed at meal time...
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[monik7]

All this talk about fear of animals is very interesting and the suggestions to be safe are valuable. I have no fear of animals at all. I guess it's because I've spent so much time with them all my life. I know they weren't bears or mountain lions, but I lived where mountain lions frequented often. I certainly would do what was necessary to stay safe and would not say, "Nice kitty" to a mountain lion.

But I'm wondering about the fear that keeps me off many beautiful hiking trails. No, it's not the animals I might encounter. It's a fear of being a female alone on a trail where there are few others. I always worry about that lone man (or several men) coming down the trail as I go up or the one following at a distance. Perhaps my life experience is what causes this fear. But it bothers me because I've often chosen not to hike some trails. Do any of you have this fear, and if so, how do you handle it? I do have pepper spray, but often forget to take it. I know having a companion to hike with would help, but since I travel solo, there's usually only me and my dogs.
Sandi

[sharon]

The National Park Rangers are advising hikers in Glacier National Park and other Rocky Mountain parks to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter.
They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge.
Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear's sensitive nose and it will run away.
It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat.
Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper.

[Bethers]

Sharon, that's one of my favorite jokes.

Sandi, your fear of humans is probably the one to be most concerned about. I don't let it stop me, but they are my biggest fear on trails also.

[sharon]

Sharon, that's one of my favorite jokes.

Sandi, your fear of humans is probably the one to be most concerned about. I don't let it stop me, but they are my biggest fear on trails also.

agreed.