Hiking

[kamban]

In all my years of hiking I have seen only 1 black bear. It was around 6 PM and dusk was setting. I was alone on the Table rock trail and there was no one I saw for 2 miles. Suddenly I heard sound about 50 yards ahead and I was about to say "hi" reflexively when I noticed that it was a large black bear on the trail. Luckily he was eating something on the ground. I tried taking a photo but it was too dark. I slowly retraced my steps and went back.
From now onward I will hike with another person if it dawn or dusk.

[reed067]

Originally Posted by kamban

In all my years of hiking I have seen only 1 black bear. It was around 6 PM and dusk was setting. I was alone on the Table rock trail and there was no one I saw for 2 miles. Suddenly I heard sound about 50 yards ahead and I was about to say "hi" reflexively when I noticed that it was a large black bear on the trail. Luckily he was eating something on the ground. I tried taking a photo but it was too dark. I slowly retraced my steps and went back.
From now onward I will hike with another person if it dawn or dusk.

Fresh bear scat is something to look out for as well. We used to pick blackberries back in Ashville near a very popular tail but along with other's picking blackberries bear's like them too. Dogs are good for letting you know a bear is close & chasing them off as well.

[russwd]

I always hike with a pistol. 99% to be possibly used as a noise maker if yelling at a curious bear does not work. Have only seen a bear once and it was very far away.