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Posted by nogods on May 4, 2008 at 7:38:42 pm EDT
In reply to Bear Food Ediquette While Camping Question CO posted by skinny_duck on April 28, 2008 at 12:16:03 am EDT

A bear canister does not prevent bears from detecting the food odors of the stuff stored inside them. So carrying a bear canister on a day hike doesn't make much sense. In fact, in the high peaks region of the Adirondacks, bear canisters are only required if you are spending the night in the wilderness

If I was cooking a meal or eating a cooked meal and a bear approached I'd be very concerned. I would assume two things. First, the bear is approaching me because it smells the food and wants it. Second, if it can smell the food it can also smell me but apparently it has decided that whatever threat I maybe to it is not sufficient to dissuade it from coming to the food. This is the point where I would unholster my bear spray and arm the triggger in case I can't dissuade the bear with noise and arm waving.

If the bear keeps approaching I have a decision to make. Should I back away from the food and let the bear have it for my safety? By doing that I am safer but the bear learns that it can get food by approaching a human with food, and in the long run that is not good. Or should I stand my ground and use the bear spray? If the spray works I'm safe and the bear learns a lesson that may convince it not to approach humans even when they are cooking something that smells delicious. Of course, if the spray doesn't work my lunch and I may both be eaten by the bear.

What is the better response in that situation?

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