"Bob Crantz" wrote
I've dealt with bears on a daily basis. If you run at black bears and shoo
them they run away. Once has a troublesome bear ripping open the dumpster
and turning it over every night. I went after it at night with the bow and
hit it with a few archery blunts. I've hunted and shot a few.


Here in the east, Indian boys used to wrestle with black
bears for fun. Although Daniel Boone bragged about killing
one with just a knife, a real woodsman would not be
impressed by this. Black bears are not aggressive nor do
they get very big. Some years ago a neighbor of ours had one
that came in her yard and ate her dog's food.... this
particular dog was overfed anyway and didn't care, in fact
the neighbor said he enjoyed the company.

In these parts bears are not as dangerous as boars... or ticks!


Avoid bears with cubs and grizzlies. Out in the Cascades you can't see
bears as easily as in the Rockies. Usually the cub will shoot up a tree
and you know the mother is right below. Steer clear of it.

The most trouble I've ever had is with domestic dogs. I've been bitten
several times especially when on a bike. Wild animals are the least of
your worries.


There are more wild animals in NYC than there are in the
deepest woods.


Capt.Mooron wrote:
Absolutely correct statement..... and obviously from someone experienced in
the wilderness.


The worst hazards of the wilderness are not the things most
people worry about... true of life in general.

There's a story from some years back about a tourist lady in
Yellowstone who told her little kid to go pick up a cute
little bear cub, so she could take a picture of them
together. She got some great pictures, too.

DSK