|
LotusSong -> Identifying Bears (7/13/2009 9:06:06 AM)
|
This notice was recently posted at a public campground near a Port Hardy, B.C. trailhead, after some unfortunate encounters folks had with some pretty big grizzlies... It's fairly instructive, so i thought I'd post it.
Due to the increasing frequency of dangerous human-bear encounters, the British Columbia 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 outdoorsmen to wear little noisy bells on clothing so as to give advance warning to any bears that might be close by so you don’t take them by surprise. Usually, a bear that discovers that people are in the area will try to leave to avoid contact with humans.
We also advise anyone using the out-of doors to carry a good quality and proven pepper spray with them in case of an accidental or surprise encounter with a bear. Use the pepper spray as a last resort should a bear charge you.
Outdoorsmen should always be on the watch for fresh bear activity, and considering that black bears and grizzlies represent differing levels and types of threat, you should be able to tell the difference between black bear feces and grizzly bear feces. All except bear hunters should by all means avoid areas where grizzly bear scat is present.
Black bear feces is typically smaller and contains lots of berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly poop usually has bells in it and smells like pepper...
|
|
|
|
