Black Bear Attacks: Bear attacks

» ConnieT - Bear attacks

Hello everyone,

All wildlife can be dangerous. And I don't believe it's always the fault of the "human". But for those who do try to get too close to a bear or say a bison, as so many do in Yellowstone Park, this is when trouble starts. Not sure what people are thinking when they want to stand next to a buffalo for a photo?!

Anyway, hikers can come upon a bear even making noise. Some bears have no fear of humans while others will move on if they hear or smell you. Always hike with someone and make plenty of noise. Bear bells are great to wear on shoes. Sometimes this doesn't work and if this animal decides you're an invasion within their territory he will get aggressive.

Jerry, you said it well about campers who leave their food out. This is an invitation for a visit. I had a friend who left dog food out one night and was surprised to see the food gone the next morning. Her answer...chipmunks. I had to laugh at this due to the fact we had a bear who would lounge within the campground. This type of situation is the fault of a human. The bad side to all of this is when the bear becomes dependent on this type of food, it's only a matter of time before they are destroyed.

I get frustrated with campers and have told them to put their food up. I also think the forest service should provide bear compartments in all campgrounds. After all, it's all bear country. Now up by Yellowstone Park, outside of Cody,Wy, they do not stand for campers leaving anything out. If you leave your campsite and they come by...they will either take your food or put it in the bear compartments and leave you a nice note.

-- posted by ConnieT