27 replies to this topic

[JKwalker]

OK, I am going on a backcountry hike / camping trip for 4 days, I have never been to RMNP before. I have read alot and heard alot about the mountain lions and bears.
I have never seen either in the wild anywhere, I keep hearing all of the stories on the news and reading stories about attacks to humans and family pets. Are the lions becoming more aggresive. Seeing how they are advancing upon human territory more and more. And yes, I know we are encroaching on there territory but you know what I mean.
The last attack happened at a house in Roosevelt, that is kind of close is it not.
It has risen to the point where I am not sure if I feel safe enough to go by myself, siking myself out as it were.

So question being - Seriously - What are the odds of actually seeing a bear or mountain lion in RMNP on a 4 day trip. I know the possibilties are there and be prepared goes back to my cubscout days.
Or is it honestly way to packed with people that I will never really be alone.

Thanks a bunch, Jeff

[slowpoke]

In 5 trips and numerous hikes (overnight and otherwise) in the park, I've only ever seen a bear once. You're probably more likely to see them around the trash cans at the campgrounds than you are on the trail though. I would say your chances of seeing a lion are very slim to none. There are only believed to be a handful within the RMNP boundary.

Make sure you know how to properly hang/store food. Consider taking a bear canister. But other than that, don't let the possible presence of these animals alter your plans.

[Aaron]

Yep, as 'Poke said you're pretty unlikely to see a lion or bear. I've been going there since 96 and have never seen a lion or bear. Although a good friend of mine did see a bear in our campground on his first trip.

--Aaron

[chipper]

Yes, what poke said. Only one bear sighting in about 15 years of going and it was at a dumpster at our hotel. No lions. Sometimes we don't even manage to sight any bighorn sheep. Always elk and coyote, marmots, etc.

Interesting note - I swear saw a mountain lion here (Iowa). Not a bobcat, but a long-tailed BIG cat. Our game warden tells me I am not crazy - there have been some sightings reported.

[smudge]

just watch out for Sasquatch...he is overly aggressive and likes the taste of human flesh. The only way to tame him is to repeat the name of his brother over and over as he clubs you with his fist.."Marvquatch, Marvquatch, Marvquatch..." Only then will the bright light of compassion touch his cold dead heart...just get ready for the embrace of your life as he holds you and cries...while people have been known to die from this hug, you at least have a 50/50 chance of surviving...after his cry, Sasquatch will ask you where his brother is (tell him... "out to lunch")...he will then lie down and fall into a deep slumber. Be quick to seperate yourself though, if he pins an arm or a leg under his hulking mass as he gets comfortable, you may be stuck until he wakes up and eats you... Then report your encounter with a park ranger, they like to keep tabs on where Sasquatch is (just don't tell Ranger Susie...she's known to have a bite worse than the beast himself).

[chipper]

just watch out for Sasquatch...he is overly aggressive and likes the taste of human flesh. The only way to tame him is to repeat the name of his brother over and over as he clubs you with his fist.."Marvquatch, Marvquatch, Marvquatch..." Only then will the bright light of compassion touch his cold dead heart...just get ready for the embrace of your life as he holds you and cries...while people have been known to die from this hug, you at least have a 50/50 chance of surviving...after his cry, Sasquatch will ask you where his brother is (tell him... "out to lunch")...he will then lie down and fall into a deep slumber. Be quick to seperate yourself though, if he pins an arm or a leg under his hulking mass as he gets comfortable, you may be stuck until he wakes up and eats you... Then report your encounter with a park ranger, they like to keep tabs on where Sasquatch is (just don't tell Ranger Susie...she's known to have a bite worse than the beast himself).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

::frantically cancelling reservations for this year::

[JKwalker]

Thankyou Everyone, I get the idea that I am just being a little silly and to not worry about it that much.
I was doing real good until the Sasquatch report, I completely forgot about those too.....

It will be a great trip!!
A friend told me to pick up some bear repellant but I did not like the smell, So I will use A-1 sauce in a spray bottle instead.........:)

[Greeneyes]

JK, welcme to the Forum. You have a good sense of humor-that will cpme in handy around here. I's sort of necessary for survival-along with that spray bottle of A-1!

Anne

[John]

Yes welcome! I've done 4-5 night trips yearly for the past several years and I keep HOPING to see a bear or puma but no luck so far. If you want maximum protection, wear a clown suit. Bears don't eat clowns because they taste funny.

[Malok]

I'm out in the Park almost every day and never see anything exciting. I have yet to see a bear of mountain lion in the Park and I've covered many hundreds of miles. The odds aren't too likely that you will run into anything, but saying that it pays to be wise and not do things to attract them, like leaving food around camp.

[Marvman]

BEWARE THE VICIOUS CHIPPIE!

Marvman
(keep it up Smudge, I'll crawl through your doggie door)

[Marvman]

Yikes!

forgot -

doggie door = doggie (two of 'em)

Marvman
(RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY!)

[JKwalker]

You guys and gals are too kind, I am glad I stumbled upon this great forum.
I will report oN my journey upon completion in July. TaTa for now.

Jeff

[foxfire]

Cool JK, your trip is in July! The rare and elusive Marvmanian will not be unleashed on RMNP till late Sept. this year! No need to worry about running into the wilddlife with the most odd behaviors! Wheeeeeeeew! Really ---- Wheeeeeeeew!