Bears

[GrammyDi]

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is advising hikers, hunters and fishermen to take extra precautions and keep alert for bears while in the field. :eek:

 

They advise that campers wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears that aren't expecting them. They also advise campers to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear.

 

It is a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Campers should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear dung. Black bear dung is smaller and contains lots of berries and squirrel fur, whereas, Grizzly dung is larger and has little bells in it and smells like pepper spray. ;)

[sea_u_onboard]

Campers should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear dung. Black bear dung is smaller and contains lots of berries and squirrel fur, whereas, Grizzly dung is larger and has little bells in it and smells like pepper spray. ;)

LOL :eek:

[ute_fan]

I've seen that joke before -- or possibly heard it from one of the rangers in Yellowstone :D .

 

Seriously, however, please remember that these adorable looking bears that remind us of teddy bears are dangerous animals. Not too far from downtown SLC -- within 100 miles -- we had a bear grab an 11 year-old boy out of the tent where his family was sleeping last night. His body was found about 400 yards from their campsite. The DWR is now pursuing the bear with dogs.

 

I was as excited as everyone else about the ones we saw recently, from the safety of our bus, in Alaska earlier this year. Just remember to be careful if you're out hiking.

[plantlady095]

We saw lots of bears on the trip we just completed. They have poor eyesight but a great sense of smell. It was fun to see them - AT a DISTANCE. The grizzly we saw in Denali was inspiring and FAST. Singing and whistling are also a good way to let the creatures have a chance to move on, if you have to walk through some woods. And remember never to run from them....

[kingsgirl]

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is advising hikers, hunters and fishermen to take extra precautions and keep alert for bears while in the field. :eek:

 

They advise that campers wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears that aren't expecting them. They also advise campers to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear.

 

It is a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Campers should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear dung. Black bear dung is smaller and contains lots of berries and squirrel fur, whereas, Grizzly dung is larger and has little bells in it and smells like pepper spray. ;)

 

Just had a question for anyone who knows...are there signs in Alaska re: Bear bells? In Alberta, on the radio, they strongly advised travellers that bear bells are not sufficient in letting a bear know that you are approaching and that carrying bear spray was a much better option and that you not travel out unless you are in a larger group.

 

I wonder why the difference?