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Posted by f_klock on October 23, 2007 at 8:19:22 pm EDT
In reply to Bears, Bears, Bears posted by Timeportalmatrix on August 5, 2007 at 12:57:20 pm EDT

"...do you think the recent incidents where bears tore into tents were due to people having food or other scented items in the tents? Or were these due to bears having learned previously they might find food inside, even though the "current" campers might have taken all necessary precautions?"

Don't forget... Bears know "food" by smell only. To a bear, lipgloss, toothpaste, candles, car air freshners, deodorant, soaps, chewing gum (even just the wrappers in your pocket), and a host of other "people things" smell just like food to a bear.

I know most real outdoor people know this, but I mention it as a reminder to the weekend warriors and newbies to hang this stuff up too if you "need" to take it into the woods.

A black bear's sense of smell is 700 times more sensitive than a blood hound. A blood hound can smell 1000 times better than a human! Bears can smell food 4 miles away. One trailed a sow in heat for 14 miles!

I teach wilderness survival at Carbon County Environmental Education Center near Jim Thorpe, PA. We've dealt with numerous bear/human contact incidents in our area in the last few years. In the past 30 days, there have been 2 biting incidents at Hickory Run State Park. ALL of the incidents have been provoked by food stored improperly. One of the children bitten was sleeping in the "food tent"!!!!!!!!

Education is the key to success. Never stop teaching, NEVER.

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