Community Forums

NealC · 03-14-2017, 08:11 AM

Okay, I'm admittedly not a fan of bears, terrified of them more likely, it's a problem on which end of the food chain I'm on

I used to camp and hike when I was younger and love the outdoors but in no way do I want to do that now, hence my pursuit of the RV. However, I'm still concerned about camp sites and maybe doing some short hikes and whatnot with my yellow lab best buddy. I've already ordered bear spray before even taking delivery on my RV coming in June.

What are your wonderful bear stories to keep me up at night?

Ever had one try to get into your RV?

memtb · 03-14-2017, 08:35 AM

Many areas of Wyoming, Thermopolis to Montana line, more than a few bears (grizzly). Some areas in and around Yellowstone require " Hard sided RV's"! If concerned, you'll sleep better at night. We've had them in and around camp several times. If your in an actual campground, they are usually looking for food. Keep a clean camp, and they'll move on to someone else's camp! PS: In case of a bear encounter, train your dog to run"away from you, not back into your arms"!

. memtb

Pricejh · 03-14-2017, 08:38 AM

Not camping with, but avoiding, yes.

Wayback when, 1977, I rode my Kawasaki Z1 from Spokane to San Antonio via Yellowstone. While transiting Yellowstone I pulled up behind a line a line of cars (typical park traffic). Looking forward i saw that tourists were feeding a family of bears through their partially open windows.

When the food would run out, the bears would walk back to the next car in line. I quit pulling forward at that point. They, the tourists are in cages, I'm out in the open with nothing but a t-shirt for protection. I let the car ahead get about 50 feet ahead and when the bears started my way I nailed it. Three seconds later I was doing 70 MPH in a National Park and leaving the wildlife safely behind.

I have since ridden thru Yellowstone many more times, never had that problem again.

NITEHAWK · 03-14-2017, 08:54 AM

And if you are out hiking, make sure you can outrun whoever is with you.

Mike and Cha · 03-14-2017, 10:20 AM

We spend a lot of time in the Sierras, mostly the Mammoth Lake area, where Bears are a common factor and come into the CG's and even the city on a daily/nightly basis. When we use our small propane BBQ, at the end of the day we put it in the Bear Food Lockers located at each campsite just as a precaution. At one Full hookup CG, the Bear(s) came down during the night and ripped open the MH storage compartments on a few MH's, going after the smell of the BBQ.

If camped at a primitive spot, make sure that you keep all food stored in your MH/fridge and do not keep anything that is edible in your Toad(if you have one). They especially like toothpaste and candy and will rip open your car if they have enough time. We have been sitting out around a campfire at night and they come walking thru the camp. They have not bothered us but are looking for those who have left food out on the tables or in ice chests. They will not normally approach a fire.

We have hiked extensively thru the Sierras and have seen Bears several times while hiking. They really won't mess with you unless they have Cubs and you get too close, or you startle them. So while hiking if you see one in the distance, make a lot of noise and try to walk a different path. Don't try and sneak up on them to get that great photo shot, that is where most people get themselves into trouble.

slickest1 · 03-14-2017, 10:38 AM

After working many years in the woods I have seen lots of bears. Mostly black bears. The biggest reason they become a problem is when they are scavenging for an easy meal. They would have a hay day at a logging camp garbage dump. If left alone they will avoid you more than you will avoid them.
If you get between them and food or a mother with cubs you will have a problem.
When hiking make lots of noise and while camping like said above keep your site clean and foods and garbage contained where a bear can not get at it. Bar b que's are a great bear attraction.
Grizzly bears are different in being a lot more unpredictable and you should be extremely careful in their territory. I would not trust bear spray or even a handgun or shot gun for that matter.

memtb · 03-14-2017, 11:36 AM

slickest1, Around here, some of the hunting guides put electric fences around their campsites. But, that doesn't slow down a "determined" bear! memtb

memtb · 03-14-2017, 11:42 AM

NealC, Are ya start'n to feel "warm-n-fuzzy" yet? In all sincerity, lightening strike is much more to be feared. A little caution and common sense, will carry you thru most anything! Oh, and a close personal relationship with God!!

memtb

NealC · 03-14-2017, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memtb

NealC, Are ya start'n to feel "warm-n-fuzzy" yet? In all sincerity, lightening strike is much more to be feared. A little caution and common sense, will carry you thru most anything! Oh, and a close personal relationship with God!!

memtb

Haha, yeah, I'm sure bears go along with the turf with campgrounds and outdoors. I even ran up on one when taking a drive along skyline drive here in VA once. Got out of my car at an overlook to take pictures, heard some ruffling in the woods, I was halfway between the black bear and my car. Oh joy. It just wanted to eat, I just wanted to get back to my car! Well, I'm here so...

sikoriko · 03-14-2017, 11:59 AM

Tent camping in Yosemite Valley I was excited that a may see a bear. didnt see one until the first night. Walking to the bathroom one big black bear just strolled out like he just made a deposit we made eye contact being about 50 feet from each other, I went back to my tent he just walked through the park. The only thing that kept going through my head was those signs saying Black Bears my weigh up to 300 pounds, yeh right. more like 500. he was not alone. another Bear was in the north section of the park. if you want to see bears that's the place. And if your lucky they may wake you up. the park rangers set traps for them and ship them to other locations away from the camp sites

Unplanned Tourist · 03-14-2017, 12:01 PM

Around me we have a saying- "How to tell between Black Bear and Grizzly [mod edit] Grizzly has little bells in it"!

Also bear spray is a GREAT spice!

3 of my workmates were hunting Black Bears one Spring. They came back to camp (TT pulled by an '84 Bronco) and a bear had opened up the windshield

(ripped it open and in 1/2) , ate some bacon and 1 moccasin was missing.

Pretty much destroyed the inside of the Bronco, and they had a cool drive home with NO bear!

memtb · 03-14-2017, 12:05 PM

Neal, one last thing, before I actually go and do something productive. If ALL of the preventive measures fail, the best way to "STOP" a charging bear is, "Take it's credit card"!
Best Wishes and Happy Trails, memtb