[nagdu] Hiking on trails with guide dogs and bears

[Steve Johnson]

The important thing to remember here is that we are probably talking black
bears here.  Depending on what part of the country you are from, this is a
challenging time of year as they are very hungry and will look for food most
anywhere as most plants are not quite up yet, and scavenging to feed their
appetite is common.  Black bears will also have their cubs nearby this time
of year, and this is the first rule of thumb is you know that there cubs
around...turn around.  Many times, where there are bears, there may also be
cougars.  Wearing bells is also helpful as they can hear the sound at a much
greater distance as you don't want to have to use any type of pepper spray
because at that point you are way too close.  Black bears can also climb
trees very fast and can reach upwards of 35 mph or greater on the ground.
It is very difficult to outrun a bear.  The good thing though is that most
black bears are just afraid of you as you are of them.  

You will know if there are ears in the area as they will tend to scratch the
trees with their paws about 7-8 feet up or higher raking the bark off and
marking their territory.  If you see this, and if you have someone who has
sight with you, just be watchful like any good hiker would.  

Most of all though, have fun.

Steve & Misha who looks like a little bear cub, and yes, I am an avid
hunter.


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of countrygrl290 at aol.com
Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2010 3:13 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Hiking on trails with guide dogs and bears


 I thought about the spray it is a great idea and we r not talking huge
hikes either just a hike or two  or three  but nothing strenuous or major
but i know there are bears in the area 

 


 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark J. Cadigan <kramc11 at gmail.com>
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sun, Apr 11, 2010 12:19 pm
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Hiking on trails with guide dogs and bears


They do sell a kind of pepper spray on steroids for bears as a last ditch
defense. You could look into getting something like that. In my experience
with hiking in bear country the best defense is a good offense. Stay
vigilant, avoid bears at all cost, keep food in bear proof containers and
follow the instructions of the rangers. 
 
----- Original Message ----- From: <countrygrl290 at aol.com> 
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org> 
Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2010 2:53 PM 
Subject: [nagdu] Hiking on trails with guide dogs and bears 
 
> 
> 
> 
> I am trying to get some thoughts from everyone about hiking on trails in >
bear areas . I am going to go camping this summer in kings canyon and >
sequoias and am trying to figure out if anyone has any experience with >
hiking with your dog and his or her safety . Dogs as pets are not allowed >
on the trails and I am wondering if it is even safe for my dog to be with >
me .... if it is not then I will have to rent a cabin and leave him in it >
during my hikes 
> any thoughts would be great THANKS 
> cari and Denver 
> 
> 
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