The Black Bear – What you need to know Backpackers
Author: Steve Gillman
It may be true that black bears are not as dangerous for backpackers as grizzly bears, but there are many cases of black bear attacks – some of which are fatal. So even if you're in black bear country, there are some things you should know. First, and perhaps most important, is how to prevent an attack.
Avoid Black Bear attack
Be noisy. In general, a black bear coming out of your way if you know who is coming down the runway. Surprise, however, and may attack. If you are hiking with a friend, a conversation is enough noise to announce their presence to the local fauna. If you are alone, may want to use "bear bells" or sing a song.
Being less conspicuous. You are easily recognizable from a distance when you are in bright, colorful clothes. In Alaska, found that the bears see bright colors and they come to investigate, while hikers will not see often in darker colors. It is not clear that this is the case of black bear, but it's something to consider when buying this rain jacket – especially if you are in the backpack open.
No cook while you sleep. Instead, a stop on the way to cook dinner, and then continue walking for a while before stopping for the night. If you have already set up camp, walking a short distance to cook dinner. The idea is to keep odors from place to sleep.
Hang food out of reach. This usually means ten feet tall and four feet from a tree – difficult in some areas with few large trees. Instead of using strings, it is often easier to raise stock food with a stick (I use my stick) and hang from a button on a branch well. While some backpackers to keep food with them in plastic bags zippered plastic unless each smell is gone, the bears may come to visit.
Two types of black bear attacks
Bears surprise – especially if they have cubs in the vicinity – the attack to try to scare you. They are called "Bluff attacks in late May and without contact, or the animal can hit a few times. With this type of attack, the bear will scold you, and look very angry. Try to talk quietly as they slowly, or if the attack continues, cross fingers behind your neck to protect, and relax in the countryside. The bear could hit around for a few seconds and then leave.
Unfortunately, this is Not the only type of attack. There are also those where hunting is and harassment. It is not common, but sometimes black bears can hunt humans for food. Where is the objective, not want to "Play Dead", or soon will. Fight for your life!
With this type of attack, the bear will probably be quiet to have his nose, ears folded back and looks at me closely, as it moves toward you. The question is if you are fair game, so do not. Yell, swing sticks, and do another thing you can do to convince the bear you're too penalty for a meal.
Put something between you and the bear can help. A man who had been chased by a black bear in Michigan continued to push his video camera to withstand the attack lasted about half an hour. The camera kept screaming and the bear a few feet, until his friends arrived (and has a great video too). Running usually does not, but if it does any other option, remember that the black bear is slower on the downhills.
Use what you can for a weapon, but be careful to bend down to pick up objects. Bowing can trigger a load. When two or more backpackers try a strong defense with stones, sticks and shouting. This may change the minds of black bear. Other things that may help understand, bear spray, a freon horn and whistles.
About the author:
Copyright Steve Gillman. Visit the desert The survival of the section of your website and get the ebook "Ultralight Backpacking Secrets" so free at: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com
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Black Bears
