Gave in and bought bear bells...

Grizzly · Aug 18, 2011

I think they’re worthless, but I’m looking for any little edge I might have to appease the gods of my ursine cousins.
 
The oby who has been in town all summer would really like to go backpacking for the weekend, and while I relish the thought of spending time with him, I have a bit of trepidation.
 First of all, I haven’t been 100% healthy, what with the shoulder and the ticker. We picked a decent hike though, only 5 miles in with about 100 metres of elevation gain total, so I think I’ll be able to handle it. We’ll do day hikes Saturday and Sunday and I know I’m game for that.
 
What does concern me a bit are the bears. It’s berry season and the mountain passes across the Great Divide are chock-a-block full of them. Lots of warnings and route closures, none where we are going, but bears can’t read signs, and this area is known for having a sow and her cubs.
 
The time of day is a concern. We can only start our hike in at about 5 pm. Lots of daylight left, but twilight is prime feeding time. AUGH!
 
Here’s a picture of the area, facing west.
 
<a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/92676/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="800px-Upper_Kananaskis_Lake_aerial1.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17607" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17607/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a>
 
The big lake is Upper Kananaskis Lake. I’ve run the trail around it, it’s about 16 km, and it is gorgeous. I’ve also skied across it to a campground at the top of the lake. Our trail starts at the end of the road at the middle right, follows the edge of the lake along the avalanche/scree slopes and descends into the valley at the top middle left. 
 
We’ll be making a lot of noise and we’re bear smart, but still there’s a bit of a sense of nervousness.
 
If I don’t make it back, Rich can have the tassels.

runfishhunt · Aug 18, 2011

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<h2 style="text-align:center;">News Flash!!! Grizzly Bear Warning</h2>
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from the Department of Fish & Game
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 In light of the rising frequency of human/grizzly bear conflicts, the Department of Fish & Game is advising Scouts, hikers, hunters, and fishermen to wear little bells tied to their clothing while in the field. 
It has been strongly advised that Scouts and outdoorsmen wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears that aren't expecting outdoorsman to be walking in their habitat. 
It has also been strongly advised for Scouts and outdoorsmen to carry non-lethal pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear. 
The Department states it is a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Scouts and outdoorsmen should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat. 
Black bear scat is smaller and contains lots of berries and many times squirrel fur. 
Grizzly bear scat has little bells in it, smells like pepper and many times pieces of red, tan and green fabric 
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Floridaboiler · Aug 18, 2011

Be safe!

jcumming · Aug 18, 2011

Yeah I want some of that non-lethal pepper spray for a grizzly...or even a mama black bear.
 
"Could you hold still and stop tearing my intestines out for a moment while I spray you"
 
My favourite bear story took place the day Elvis died in Tupper Lake NY. A small black bear was rumbling around near the campfires in the campground and the familiies a couple of sites over were quite distraught as the bear had ripped down their dining screen.
 
"Why would the bear want to do that to our dining screen?"
 
"Did you have anything inside there?"
 
"Just our food"
 
 
"Ummmm...."
 
I guess they thought the bear was looking for stereos and stuff like that.

nhsrm105 · Aug 18, 2011

Grizz, I just came out of Yellowstone Backcountry with two other buddies. Total we saw 8 Grizz and 6 black bears. I guess I am so use to them and being up close and personal, that they don't ruin my trip. We all carry bear mace, a fogger (you don't have to aim, point and shoot) You can even shoot from your hip if you want and you still have some chance of hitting the bear. When you startle a bear then when you have to be concerned. If going over a rise (where I cannot see the other side, I bring a whistle (attached to my backpack) and blow it to give extra precaution. 
 
I wish you the best, especially your heath. Take care and have a nice trip. 
 
Tom

Grizzly · Aug 19, 2011

I've run (literally) into bear on that trail. Actually it was at the part of the lake where the scree slope meets the water and she was about 100 yards away up slope. She looked at me and went west, and i kept going East. I am not normally afraid of them mid-day, and I have seen a great number of them in my time in the woods... just not keen about hiking tired in the evening.

yar · Aug 19, 2011

Don't bring a picnic basket.
 
yar

roly · Aug 19, 2011

Grizzly,
 
Wow that is a beautiful looking area to hike.
 
Have you heard of the Iron legs Ultra near Moose Mountain, in Kananaskis Country (Alberta) I am thinking of doing it in a couple of years if the body holds up.

satfix · Aug 19, 2011

Am I the only one who read, 'BEER BALLS"??????
 
 
(griz - thanks for the bequeath of the tassels - it's been awhile since they've been used around here...)

Grizzly · Aug 19, 2011

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Roly <a href="/t/74911/gave-in-and-bought-bear-bells#post_2010598"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a> Grizzly,
 
Wow that is a beautiful looking area to hike.
 
Have you heard of the Iron legs Ultra near Moose Mountain, in Kananaskis Country (Alberta) I am thinking of doing it in a couple of years if the body holds up.
 
 
</div>
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Yes I have. The foothills area around Moose is one of my favourite areas on the face of this earth. Another race you might think of is the Powderface 42. Google it, there are half and full options, but it is one of the most challenging trail runs around. Then again there are the death races....

roly · Aug 19, 2011

Thanks Grizzly,
 
I'll look into Powederface race, but will try the Iron legs before the Death Race.
 
Roly

Gave in and bought bear bells...

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