Now there is a phrase you don't hear often for those people who work in major city areas - "don't leave your gut piles near camp." LOL!
It is true though that you have to be "bear aware" and here in WA we have to do similar things when out in our beautiful mountain and foothill areas. Even out on the coast I've run into bear scat near where we camped on beaches because woods were nearby.
Harley, we have very few bears in Missouri. But this is great information for everyone that live near bears.
We had a baby black bear in our back yard a couple of years ago. It had been hanging out at the elementary school and all the kids were on lock down until the bear retreated. I'm not sure if they ever located that bear, but it has not paid us another visit.
Harley, Thanks for the entertaining information on bears. Your warning on avoiding bears reminds me of the joke about telling the difference between Black Bear and Grizzly bear scat, Grizzly's have little bells and smells like pepper spray.
Great information there. Glad we don't have too many bears in our neck of the woods!
Gretchen - A little common sense goes a long ways in situations. We like it here in Teton Valley.
Hey Joy - bear spray is just an oversized peper spray and some will shoot 20 to 30 feet. Word to the wise - don't spray into the wind. :)
Kay my parents are from around Springfield somewhere (Joplin I think). They moved to Arizona 45 plus years ago.
Joan, I found myself between a black bear and her cubs one year when hunting elk. I had a bear tag and was tracking her when I heard the cubs. she was standing on her hind legs and sniffing the air - it made the hair stand up on my neck. I was able to back out and let them go on their way it was intense.
Harley,
These sound like great tips. I agree with you, it sounds like the humans became a problem to the bear that ended up being euthanized.
I suppose it is better than a child eaten by a bear. Thanks for the comment Sondra. :)
All good tips that I learned in Girl Scouts as a kid and have remembered every time I go hiking or camping in an area known for bears.
Girl Scouts - A great organization. My Reagan just sold boxes of cookies!
My friend moved to Colorado Springs last Fall, can't wait to visit him this summer. nice post!
Very good information for people living in or visiting your area. I've lived in bear areas before and it just takes a little common sense. Beautiful area you live, too... we've been to the Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee areas many times.
Gretchen