bear calls?

[carmen]

I do not mean trying to call for bears, who wants that out in the woods?

I read that some people tend to call out for bears when they are out camping or hiking to make sure the bear can hear you. Now I would never want to sneak up on a bear of any size, but wouldn't that also alert the bear that you are in their territory and might be a tasty snack? I admit it, I am highly confused over this one.

[Grandpa]

Bears want to avoid humans maybe more than some humans want to avoid them. Most bear attacks are when the bear is startled or when an idiot is crowding their space with a camera. Wearing bells, calling "Hey Bear", singing, etc are all common with back country visitors to warn the bears.

I suggest anyone who thinks they might come in contact with a bear go to the Yellowstone Website and watch the backcountry video required for a backcountry permit. It is very good about avoiding a bear attack or what to do if one occurs.

[Barney]

I agree, but sometimes if you're out there in bear's country it's against a common sense and instinct to alert wild creature upon your arrival. I guess this is just another smart thing you need to learn and carve into your memory before it becomes a habit.

[Johnny]

I agree with you 100%. It's against common sense to shout in places where you can stumble onto a bear. But science and statistics demands otherwise. So, I'd rather sing to the bear than yell at it.

[Pathfinder1]

I usually don't trek very far,
when all around black bear are.


Hi...


Some hikers also advocate the use of carrying bells on their gear. Others say that you can tell grizzly droppings by the little bells they contain.

Either way, carrying an EPA Registered bear spray...and learning how to use it...would be very wise. I know that others on this forum could testify to that.

[CozInCowtown]

***DNR SIGN***

Due to the frequency of human-bear encounters, the B.C. Fish and Wildlife Branch is advising hikers, hunters, fishermen and any persons that use the out of doors in a recreational or work related function to take extra precautions while in the field.

We advise the outdoorsman to wear little noisy bells on clothing so as to give advanced warning to any bears that might be close by so you don’t take them by surprise.

We also advise anyone using the out-f-doors to carry “Pepper Spray” with him is case of an encounter with a bear.

Outdoorsmen should also be on the watch for fresh bear activity, and be able to tell the difference between black bear feces and grizzly bear feces. Black bear feces is smaller and contains lots of berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear **** has bells in it and smells like pepper.

[catspa]

I made up a bear song that I sing when on the trail, goes a little somethin' like this:

"Well any bear that's in the mood for a tasty human snack of food,
that hasn't eaten for a week, whose crankiness is at it's peak,
just risen from his winter bed where hibernation laid his head -
no matter how hungry he might be, it'd be a mistake to chew on me.

My partner here is quite a treat, with tender flesh and dainty feet
She's the sweetest girl I've found, there's no sweeter one around.
Her lips are red as cherry wine, her peach complexion suits me fine,
She's healthy as a girl can be, it'd be a mistake to chew on me.

Hey, hey, grizzly bear! Tramping through the forest there,
Why would you want my tough old a$$ when you could have this tender lass?

Well, bears get smarter every day, and selective in their ursine way,
she's tastier than I'll ever be, it'd be a mistake to chew on me."

Usually singing this song results in me having to carry all the food and trail mix in my pack, and sometimes a smear of blackberry jam on my forehead.

Parker

[ppine]

Experience is the best teacher of common sense. Once you have walked or ridden up on bears at 40 yards or less a few times, it becomes second nature to make noise in the brush, near moving water, or in the dark. You can always tell when people haven't been around wildlife much because they sneak around and say things like "I hope we see a bear."

[Lamebeaver]

The idea is that you want to let the bears know that you're there, instead of surprising them.

It's sound advice.

[Miley]

That song made me laugh so hard, my sides hurt now. I have always heard to make lots of noise, if you are in bear country. It makes sense to me, no one likes to be startled! I was wondering, does regular pepper spray work on bears or should you buy the bear kind?