I’m not a hiker, but I remeber as a kid being told to sing loudly while hiking or carry a cowbell to scare away bears and coyotes. Maybe having a radio going is meant to replicate that?
The National Park Rangers are advising hikers in Glacier National Park and other Rocky Mountain parks to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter.
They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge.
Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear’s sensitive nose and it will run away.
It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat.
Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper.
I just make sure to hike with friends with small children so we can toss one of the kids to the bear while we escape. Sorry Timmy, you gotta take one for the team big guy!
Bears and coyotes will likely detect you long before you notice them. Unless you’re walking with the wind to your face and particularly quietly you should be fine.
I’m not a hiker, but I remeber as a kid being told to sing loudly while hiking or carry a cowbell to scare away bears and coyotes. Maybe having a radio going is meant to replicate that?
Old bear joke:
The National Park Rangers are advising hikers in Glacier National Park and other Rocky Mountain parks to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter. They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge. Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear’s sensitive nose and it will run away. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat. Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper.
I’ve always heard that if you encounter an aggressive grizzly you need to curl up in a ball and pray. There’s not much else you can do…
Wear running shoes. You don’t have to outrun the bear, you just have to be faster than your companions.
Another bear joke. I’ve got a million of them.
I just make sure to hike with friends with small children so we can toss one of the kids to the bear while we escape. Sorry Timmy, you gotta take one for the team big guy!
You would have to let go of the twins, or the bear will just have more appetite after one small snack.
Bears and coyotes will likely detect you long before you notice them. Unless you’re walking with the wind to your face and particularly quietly you should be fine.
Honestly not sure what justification there is for downvotes n this comment. You’re 100% correct.