Bear Mauling Phobia....don't want to become the next 'Grizzly(Wo)man!' (live, safe)

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by cobolt

Man---too much information: Make lots of noise when you hike. If it's a bear, wave your arms around, talk, and don't make direct eye contact. If it's a mountain lion, make yourself look bigger and do make direct eye contact. If it's a black bear, he won't bluff a charge, but a grizzly will--sort of. Fight them all if they attack you--no wait, I mean, curl up with your hands over your head, sort of fetal like, and play dead. If it's a moose, talk to it, or don't talk to it, fight them off? If it's a shark, poke it in the eye with a stick. No that can't be right. Uhhmm. Don't make direct eye contact. Gosh--how confusing?!?! And I"ve read all suggestions and more in the "handbooks." LOL

Cobolt

Yep, that about covers it. And don't forget, moose can't climb trees very well, but they do eat them.

[cobolt]

Ha! And where else could you call work to tell them you'll be in once your yard moose moves out of the way!?

[Xa'at]

Originally Posted by nightphoenix

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but which Twin Lakes? Is it really polluted??? Do you mean the Twin lakes in Lake Clark National Park?

Twin Lakes in the Mendenhall valley, Juneau. They aren't polluted with chemicals, but all the grossness that inhabits the bottom of the Gastineau channel gets pulled into the lakes (because there is a big drainpipe that connects them). Most people stay away from them because they are pretty ripe, bacteria wise. I swam in there once, it was pretty disgusting.

[jeepejeep]

Rance hit every item right on the head! I'd only add taking a gun with you ONLY if you are familiar with them and if you KNOW you'd be able to use it. Just having one isn't a panacea but if the worst happens it could save your life.
Some hikers tie bells on their shoelaces. Good idea I think. Awareness is key. Enjoy the amazing scenery but don't get totally absorbed in it and forget your surroundings. Normal awarness and caution and you'll be fine and will be telling stories of your adventure for the rest of your life.

[jeepejeep]

Originally Posted by Glitch

Taking into consideration that there are more bear and moose in Alaska than people, and they are the only two critters that can cause a human being serious harm, it makes sense to be prepared to defend myself just in case. While I do hunt on a regular basis, I only shoot what I intend to eat, and I have no desire to eat bear. I don't really understand people who hunt for the sport only. Fortunately, we have laws in Alaska that require all the meat to be salvaged so it isn't wasted.

In the foothills of the Brooks Range I sat for hours, from a respectable distance, and watched a grizzly sow teach her cubs how to dig for ground squirrels in the permafrost. She would move around the frozen tundra like it was beach sand. I have tremendous respect for the power of these critters.

Why wouldn't you eat bear meat? I've had black bear and it's great! The power of even a small bear (in the 200-300 lb. range) is truly astounding! They deserve all due respect for sure.

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by jeepejeep

Why wouldn't you eat bear meat? I've had black bear and it's great! The power of even a small bear (in the 200-300 lb. range) is truly astounding! They deserve all due respect for sure.

I have other alternatives to eating bear, such as beef, lamb, chicken, duck, grouse, goose, ptarmigan, pork, moose, and caribou. Should I not be able to obtain any of those sources of meat, I would have no problems with eating a bear, marmot, beaver, hare, or any other fur- or feather-bearing critter (including my own dog if I were starving). I just have no desire to eat them while I have other more readily available sources of meat. If I'm not going to eat it, then there is no point in shooting it unless it is in self-defense.

[Rance]

Berry bears (black) are fairly good eating. Good roasts. A fish eater is gonna be gross. And although I've neveer tried eating brown bear...I hear it's fairly rank meat. So I'm in no hurry to even try it.

[cobolt]

Hey Rance,

I know this is belated, but congrats on the engagement to the Swedish beauty! And Happy Birthday!

Back to business: I've also heard that berry bears are yummy and grizzly bears are grizzly tasting. I think Glitch's eating options sound better!

[nightphoenix]

Originally Posted by Xa'at

Twin Lakes in the Mendenhall valley, Juneau. They aren't polluted with chemicals, but all the grossness that inhabits the bottom of the Gastineau channel gets pulled into the lakes (because there is a big drainpipe that connects them). Most people stay away from them because they are pretty ripe, bacteria wise. I swam in there once, it was pretty disgusting.

Oh, ok! That makes more since. Thanks!

[Xa'at]

Originally Posted by cobolt

Hey Rance,
I know this is belated, but congrats on the engagement to the Swedish beauty! And Happy Birthday!

Hey, I didn't know that! Congratulations!