35 replies to this topic

[OklaHiker]

Is bear spray necessary in the backcountry of RMNP? I'll be above tree line quite a bit, so I don't expect to see too many bears, but is it something I should put on the "must get" list before visiting? I realize it could help ward off an angry bear, but it's not cheap.

Thanks

[PikesPeakDenise]

Is bear spray necessary in the backcountry of RMNP? I'll be above tree line quite a bit, so I don't expect to see too many bears, but is it something I should put on the "must get" list before visiting? I realize it could help ward off an angry bear, but it's not cheap.

Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would say it's not necessary, but there's lots of different info and advise floating around on the subject. What I do know is that surprising a bear is the worst thing you can do. Hence the bear bells. I wear one of the annoying things when I'm hiking by myself. It's much more pleasant to hike with someone else and let conversation be the deterrent. If bears hear you coming, they will usually go out of their way to avoid you. But if alone, you may want to consider a bell. Spray couldn't hurt to have on hand, but you'd truly rather never need to use it. Here's a site with good info: Bear Encounters

[slowpoke]

The bears in RMNP are friendly. They mean you no harm. They have kindly asked that you not spray them.

[John]

I never have carried it and sadly, I've never seen a bear in RMNP. I do love this joke.

A ranger told a group of hikers that there were bear problems, and they should wear bells so bears know you are coming and carry pepper spray. It is also helpful to be able to recongize Black Bear scat vs. Grizzly scat. Black Bear scat is quarter sized, round and black. Grizzly scat has bells in it and smells like pepper.

[Rhonda]

I never have carried it and sadly, I've never seen a bear in RMNP.  I do love this joke.

A ranger told a group of hikers that there were bear problems, and they should wear bells so bears know you are coming and carry pepper spray. It is also helpful to be able to recongize Black Bear scat vs. Grizzly scat.  Black Bear scat is quarter sized, round and black.  Grizzly scat has bells in it and smells like pepper.

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[retlod]

The bears in RMNP are friendly.  They mean you no harm.  They have kindly asked that you not spray them.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

'Poke is one of the few forum regulars who has seen a bear in the park. They had a nice picnic down by Sprague Lake as I recall.

[OklaHiker]

Does bear spray also work against mountain lions or do I need to purchase a separate $50 can of mountain lion spray?

[DeeCeeM]

Reminds me of a tee shirt I saw in South Dakota. It said something to the effect of

When hiking in bear country, always go with someone you can outrun

[Weasel]

Does bear spray also work against mountain lions or do I need to purchase a separate $50 can of mountain lion spray? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think mountain lions usually ambush from behind and/or above, so the mountain lion spray probably wouldn't work. I'd suggest wearing one of those medieval chain mail helmet things that extends down over your upper body.

[Rhonda]

Reminds me of a tee shirt I saw in South Dakota.  It said something to the effect of

When hiking in bear country, always go with someone you can outrun

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[slowpoke]

'Poke is one of the few forum regulars who has seen a bear in the park.  They had a nice picnic down by Sprague Lake as I recall.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah man. As I was saying, the bears in RMNP are chill. They just wanna know what's up. Don't taunt them with food and stuff or chase after them. Bobo told me that he and his friends really hate that.

[JDgreen]

Reminds me of a tee shirt I saw in South Dakota.  It said something to the effect of

When hiking in bear country, always go with someone you can outrun

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Or another variation on the theme

I don't have to out run the bear I just have to outrun You

[weatherbe]

Now that is funny!!! Darn good one!

Weather

Reminds me of a tee shirt I saw in South Dakota.  It said something to the effect of

When hiking in bear country, always go with someone you can outrun

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[PikesPeakDenise]

Yeah man.  As I was saying, the bears in RMNP are chill.  They just wanna know what's up.  Don't taunt them with food and stuff or chase after them.  Bobo told me that he and his friends really hate that.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ah, we have a bear whisperer among us!

[goatboy]

ya know what, 33 years of going there and i STILL have not ever seen a bear! they all say they go through the trash at night at our cabins but i never see them. any ideas on a good place to see some? i would love to have a pic of one in person and then run like hell!!!!
seeya
goatboy