[Paddlewise] Bears

> Predatory bear behavior is rare and most bear attacks have nothing to 
> do with them wanting to eat anyone.  In fact most "attacks" are bluff 
> charges - a bear's way of saying "go away this is my territory". 
> (Polar bears are the exception - but few of us are lucky enough to 
> paddle in polar bear territory).

That's the received wisdom I was always taught. Turns out it's not quite 
accurate. I was always taught here in Michigan that Black bears will 
absolutely not attack humans, that all attacks were feints that would 
stop short, and that any noise would scare them off. Then I started to 
hear first hand stories of people attacked and chased by bears. And 
this, from a Yellowstone information page: "On average, 3 people a year 
are killed and eaten by black bears in North America."

Friend have told me stories of Grizzlies that raided their Alaska 
campsites and rooted about for food, completely ignoring them. I have 
also met people who have been attacked, without warning, by Black bears 
that would not be scared off.

Bear behavior is unpredictable. If you're going to be travelling in bear 
country, you should be prepared for any and all possibilities.

-- mike
-----------------------------------
Michael Edelman   medelman_at_ameritech.net
http://www.foldingkayaks.org
http://www.findascope.com



***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************