Bear problems in Monongahela Natl. Fores t

“For Immediate Release Contact: Dick Hall, WV DNR 304-637-0245
August 29, 2007 Kristine Vollmer,
US Forest Service
304-257-4488


BE BEAR AWARE!!!

(Elkins, WV) Officials with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources,
and the Monongahela National Forest are cautioning visitors to the wild
lands of the State to be extra aware of black bears this late summer and
fall. In recent weeks hikers and campers have reported numerous encounters
with bears, many of whom appear to be seeking food. "The late spring frosts
killed the flower buds of many species which would otherwise have provided
summer food for bears," notes Dick Hall, Supervisor of Game Management for
the DNR Wildlife Resources Section. "This lack of 'soft mast' is becoming
apparent as bears seek food from humans. The fall 'hard mast' crop of nuts
and acorns is likely to also be variable so it is important people realize
that bear behavior this year may be different than in years with abundant
natural crops."

Visitors to the Dolly Sods area of the Monongahela National Forest have
reported seeing many more bears than is common, and several encounters have
been tense. Signs alerting hikers have been posted at all of the trail
entrances, and changes are being made in how the trash cans at Red Creek
Campground are being managed. "Bear-proof trash cans haven't been necessary
in this area in the past" noted acting Cheat-Potomac District Ranger
Kristine Vollmer, "but we've had several instances lately of bears coming
into the campground and rummaging through the existing cans in search of
food. We're going to place the cans inside a cage to discourage the bears
until we can purchase and install the bear-proof containers."

Officials of both agencies note that there is no substitute for common sense
however, and strongly urge people to learn and practice safe food management
in bear country. Campers are always safest in hard-sided campers or vehicles
rather than in a tent. However, even tent campers can minimize the chance of
a negative bear encounter. If camping in the campground ALL food should be
stored in the vehicle. A bear can smell even a candy bar inside a tent. Once
a meal is concluded the cooking equipment should be immediately washed and
it, along with any leftover food should be placed in the vehicle.

Hikers can reduce the possibility of a bear getting into their food by
stringing a high line between two trees, at least 10 feet above ground and
hanging food in a bag from the line. The bag should be located at least four
feet from the trees on either side. Food can also be suspended in a bag from
a line over a tree branch at least 10 feet above ground, and hanging down at
least 4 feet from the branch. If there are no trees tall enough to hang
food from it is recommended that hikers store their food in tightly closed,
hard-shelled containers. To reduce the possibility of an interaction with
a bear seeking food, sleeping tents should be placed at least 100 yards away
from food storage and cooking areas. Cooking equipment should be cleaned
away from the sleeping area and stored with the food.

Hikers are also encouraged to learn how to hike safely in bear country,
which includes being sure to make enough noise that the bears are aware
people are in the area. If their pack contains food, hikers should be aware
that a hungry bear may pursue the pack even though they might ordinarily
simply move away from a person waving at them and making noise. Dropping the
pack and moving away from it may diffuse the encounter. Alter your route if
the bear is visible but not close. If a black bear approaches officials
recommend facing the bear, remaining calm and slowly backing away. If the
bear continues to approach it is recommended that people try to scare the
bear away by making noise, shouting, waving shirts and other objects to make
themselves appear larger. Finally, if a black bear follows through with an
attack, which is rare, it is suggested that people fight back using fists,
rocks and E.P.A. registered bear pepper spray. It is recommended that pepper
spray not be used unless the bear is actually attacking.

"The bottom line is that people enter the natural habitat of black bears
when they go into the woods in West Virginia," says Hall. "We can focus on
removing problem bears from campgrounds if necessary, but people need to
recognize how to keep themselves safe as they enjoy the wild lands of the
State. Once a bear has been successful in obtaining food from humans it is
more likely to continue to try to do so."

Vollmer echoed the message with the comment that "We'll do the best we can
to help campers have a more secure location for their trash at Red Creek
Campground, and to sign the trailheads and campground, but we can't keep the
bears from searching for food." Both officials cautioned that as the fall
approaches bears preparing for hibernation will continue to search for food
so people need to exercise extra care as they hike, camp, and hunt this
year.

To learn more about safe living and hiking in black bear country, log onto
www.bebearaware.org.”

“I love saying "Monongahela"!”

“I guess I am going to have to buy a permit and get me one,lol”

“I'm wondering if there may be increased activity further south in the Smokies because of the lack of rain,”

“Thanks for the update, Uncle Geo.
I will be out there ThanxG weekend for a visit to Haystack Knob and Roaring Plains if there isn't butt-deep snow or monsoon rains.

One never knows what the plateau can dish out but it will likely be perfect weather with 30 mile views.

I'm going to be optimistic and then make a deal with the Monongahela gods just for good measure.

If however I strike out on The Plains, Otter Creek Wilderness is a decent alternative.

In any event, I had better not bring any kind of bear magnet along.”

“Well hell, bears gotta eat too!”

“Hmmm, maybe a bear magnet wouldn't be such a bad idea.

We could toss it to the bears and they might leave us alone.”

“It's like the old joke about the guys being chased by a bear and one of them stops to tie his shoe. "What the heck are you stopping for?! You can't outrun a bear!" The guys answers: "I don't have to outrun the bear; I only have to outrun you."”

“Ah.... the Classics!”