Rule Number Seven: If you are confronted by a giant angry bear, it's better to flee for your life than to entertain him or her with your best Yogi or Boo-Boo impersonation. that nagging fear about bear encounters. The route runs alongside highways and roads, the big cities. When I announced my plan to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail to friends and family, I heard this one a lot – ‘what if a bear attacks?’ ‘what if you get eaten by a bear?’, Always asked genuinely, with fear and a little bit of panic behind their voices.. The black bear is a symbol of Georgia's natural diversity, the only bear found in the state and a high-priority species in the state's Wildlife Action Plan, a comprehensive conservation strategy. Uproxx . Click Here for Seven Rules for Camping & Hiking Near Bears. Because, you know, I wanted to make sure bears couldn’t reach it either. После встречи с медведем. Here … 4 min read. If the bear still charges you after yelling and waving your arms, use. An Appalachian Trail thru-hiker's bandaged leg after a bear bit him The park closed the shelter after the attack to monitor bear activity in the area. You might not believe that, but the bears do. Bears, snakes, crazy people, waterbourne pathogens- these are all common fears prospective hikers have about the dangers of the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail has actually been the site of numerous murders and other gruesome deaths over the years. Pay attention to your surroundings. Bears are very aggressive when protecting a … Yes sometimes they eat insects, sometimes fish, and even less than all those things, they might munch on some dead defenseless animal, like a deer. Tags: Attractions, Tourism, Appalachian Trail, Hiking, Camping Gear, News, and Robert Sutherland Travel Writer. Such as your campsite. Appalachian Trail – Thru Hiking Connecticut. Bears are super smart and learn and adapt quickly. They are afraid of you! The most famous Appalachian Trail day hikes are located right here. Bears with second year cubs that may participate in a bluff charge. Always fight a black bear if it attacks you, once it learns you are not easy prey, it will move on. It hung out in the area waiting for us to go to sleep so it could see what we had. Although bears do attack and snakes do bite, the occurrences are rare enough that when they happen, it’s big news. Stay aware of your surroundings while hiking, so you don’t accidentally ‘approach’ a bear or bear cub. —Bored to Death. And not in a good way. You’ll miss a lot of wildlife if you’re only looking at the trail in front of you. There's probably only one of you. Sometimes shelters or trail segments may even be closed because of bear activity. "Bears can become habituated to people when they are fed - whether intentional or not. Bears will think you're a sandwich with condiments. Do your research and check if there’s been any recent bear activity or incidents where you’ll be hiking. The very best way to not have to deal with bears is to lock yourself in a basement and have pizza delivered through a pizza box shaped window for the rest of your life. I finished section hiking the Appalachian Trail last summer after only 14 short years! The Forest Service's Bear Necessities for safety in the woods include not leaving food outside and what to do if you encounter a bear in the woods. You might be wondering why this area is so popular. This is definitely something crosses every hikers mind, and creates plenty of fear when hiking solo in bear country…. There are not many rules for hiking the Appalachian Trail, but there are seven rules for camping near bears. Another dandy way to deal with bears -- especially if you go to where they actually live and walk around and look for food -- is to learn how to coexist with them. Young male bears are also known to disperse in an effort to establish their own territory. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. It will cost about $1000 a month if you do this the right way. Can their paths merge atop Mt. Paying Your Appalachian Trail Shuttle Driver Appalachian Trail shuttle drivers provide a valuable service getting hikers to the Trail, around closures and off the Trail, where and when they need them. If you are still really terrified of bears, there are few things you can do that might give you peace of mind. Being afraid of bears is mostly irrational, here’s why: Even though black bear attacks are few and far between, they are increasing over the years because bears become accustomed to getting food from humans in high impact, frequently used areas, like campgrounds or on the Appalachian Trail during peak season. We did a lot of yelling and banging around and it slowly walked off. Your email address will not be published. The very best way to not have to deal with bears is to lock yourself in a basement and have pizza delivered through a pizza box shaped window for the rest of your life. Indeed, AT thru-hikers have a reputation for worse-than-usual-backpacker odor. Bears defending a kill site. That being said, it is not surprising that hikers take from 5 to 7 months to cross it. Chances are, especially if you’re in a group, you won’t even see a bear because they’ll hear you coming from a mile away and then run away. We had our packs hung high and away from us so no food close. Lastly, I keep my knife handy at all times, and accessible at night, in my tent too. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Three bear encounters around Double Spring Gap Shelter in the Smokies I’ve learned a lot since then and never had any bear issues since! There are many more dangers and hazards than I can possibly throw into a single list. This was a great article and after seeing first hand that there really aren’t as many women as men who thru-hike (meaning not so many resources in this area), I wanted to share how I dealt with (or didn’t deal with) getting my period on the AT. Rule Number Three: Just as there are two levels of lion tamers -- Skilled and Dead -- there are only two likely outcomes if you try to feed a bear by hand. The Appalachian National Scenic Trial has been traversed by millions of people since its inception in 1937. Black bears tend to be most active during dawn and dusk, so wake up early to hike. But don’t worry too much – there is a very easy fix to this! If you don't want to be known as "lefty," don't feed the bears. This is when the majority of human-bear conflicts occur, and the bear is labeled a nuisance," explained Adam Hammond, a wildlife biologist with the Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division. Carry a whistle and keep it accessible, either around your neck or on the front of your pack strap. Planning Appalachian Trail thru-hiking. Still can't find what you're looking for? Rule Number Five: Don't leave any food, drinks, coolers or garbage in the open. Bears tend to steer clear of loud noises. When a bear knows it can get a 'free meal,' it will return again and again until eventually it loses its natural fear of humans. Though now considered the most common bear in North America, the species was nearly eradicated from Georgia by the 1930s due to unregulated market hunting, poaching and large-scale habitat loss. Most people start with 5 to 10 miles per day. Proximity to the bear may provoke aggressive behavior, thus back away slowly, increasing the distance between you and the bear, while watching the bear at the same time. Appalachian Trail Apparel and Accessories. Shona and I got to spend a weekend with British Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers called James and Jenny as they traversed the 52 mile Connecticut segment around 2/3rds of the way through the 2200 miles that makes up the ‘AT’. Now you know what to do if a black bear attacks you on the trail and how to silence (or at least quiet down!) Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Stay aware of your surroundings while hiking, so you don’t accidentally ‘approach’ a bear or … But keep in mind, realistically, bears will only approach you or your tent if they think they can get food from you. Campfires are prohibited along the AT in Connecticut and camping is allowed only at designated sites. This post may contain affiliate affiliate links for your convenience, see my full disclosure for more info. No, this isn't a bear, but it's still a very cool picture. I want to hear them! Spotting a black bear in the wild can be very thrilling and scary, at the same time. Published Jul 30, 2015. Trust me on this one, OK? Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or epic bear stories! When Brion “Bearclaw” Woods of Chesapeake decided he wanted to hike the entire 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail, he knew he would have to give some serious thought into deciding what gear You can read more about my personal black bear encounter here. However, on average, people cross 10 to 15 miles every day. The number of people who have had negative encounters with bears, compared to the number of hikers who hit the AT each year – is minuscule! I did my research about what to bring to keep my food away from bears and smaller critters, and, at that time, almost everyone agreed that bear canisters weren’t necessary on the AT. Tags: Tourism, Appalachian Trail, and Hiking Hikers remember the Roans as one of ... we have to deal with bears and coyotes." Areas of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina require bear canisters for overnight camping in the Pisgah National Forest due to encounters with bears. How long does it take to hike the Appalachian Trail? . Dear Bored, Don’t be ashamed: Trail … OK I may be exaggerating just a bit but there is a slew of serpents I have encountered on the AT in just the first few hundred miles and with the help of some friends I’d like to share them with you. What if a bear attacks on the Appalachian Trail? I also keep my whistle in my tent with me at night, it makes me feel better. Areas of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina require bear canisters for overnight camping in the Pisgah National Forest due to encounters with bears. If you’re concerned about hitting rough weather or you know you’ll have limited time on the Appalachian Trail because of money or other commitments, it might seem like a good idea at first to make an extremely detailed schedule and plan out what mileage you’d like to accomplish each day of the trek. They might be curious at first, trying to pick up your scent and see what you are, but once you show them how loud and lively you are, they won’t want anything to do with you. Rule Number Four: Try not to slather yourself in BBQ sauce and sleep with your leftover food in your tent. The Appalachian Trail travels 52 miles in Connecticut. While backpacking 15 miles of the appalachian trail recently, 2 different bears wandered into camp. The winter before I began my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, ... Black Bears on the Trail. Thank you. Jamey Donaldson, a volunteer biologist in charge of the project, spends the summer on Roan Mountain. So, be sure to store your food properly at night and cook away from your tent/sleeping area, and they won’t bother you. Not only that, but they also learn to associate people, tents, and/or packs with food, which is when things get scary. Appalachian Trail costs can be quite expensive, averaging about $6000 for a six-month hike which will include town expenses, trail resupply locations, and the gear that you need to bring. I also try to avoid sleeping next to other hikers who might choose to sleep with their food. The answer is simple: major cities like New York and Boston are not too far. This bear was use to people so he was scavaging. Try hiking solo. Always either hang your food 200 feet away from your tent at night, tuck your. What about bears, rattlesnakes, and deranged, inbred hillbillies?” Anyone who’s done any amount of research into thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail already knows the above “threats” are minimal at best. Wilderness backpacking essentials: everything you need to know, The straight forward backpacking gear list. Was in Panthertown valley in the Natahalah National forrest when a big black bear came up on our campsite. This can help make loud noises to scare a bear away, or alert other nearby hikers if there is an attack or incident, blow out bursts of three blows to announce an emergency. With all of the hype about the upcoming movie A Walk in the Woods, I’ve been inspired to … 3. No, you don't have to sleep in a tree. Option 3: “I’ll hang my food.”. Again, this can be a very dangerous situation as you are now dealing with multiple bears. The goals common to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Baxter State Park are similar but are they compatible? If you come across the mother bear with a cub, then calmly get the heck out of there. Learn how to hike the Appalachian Trail, how to go backpacking, hiking gear, backpacking meals and more. Mid-Atlantic. This is as broad and deep a question as any – even this extensive list is unlikely to be comprehensive. If you don’t already know how, learn how to hang a bear bag here, and then go out and practice! Meeting bears in the wild lessens the likelihood that "you-know-who" will EVER go into the woods with you again, so we encourage you to click on the helpful link below. This video is unavailable. Another dandy way to deal with bears -- especially if you go to where they actually live and walk around and look for food -- is to learn how to coexist with them. Remember, you do not have to outrun the bear -- only your slowest companion. Scents from such things as toothpaste, deodorant and soap can attract bears. Katahdin? Never, ever sleep with your food or anything else smelly. Because even if you don’t have food on you, or in your tent, an accustomed bear might be convinced you do! Baxter State Park issued three citations to Scott Jurek for actions after setting the record for fastest known time for running the Appalachian Trail. Black bears commonly are found in three areas of the state: the North Georgia mountains, the Ocmulgee River drainage system in central Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp in the southeastern part of the state. Rule Number Two: No matter how many Spiderman, Dirty Harry or Terminator movies you have watched, bears are more likely to eat you than you are to eat them. How to Manage Menstruation on the Appalachian Trail Back in April, Allison wrote “ Menstruation on The Appalachian Trail: The Bloody Truth “. Most of the AT in the state follows the ridges to the west of the Housatonic River Valley and to the east of the Taconic Mountains. Hikers spend a lot of time hiking in hot, humid climates, creating a perfect surface for odor-causing bacteria. Home; Advice; How to Deal With Your Period on the Appalachian Trail; One day, while driving together to do a story about the Appalachian Trail, Suzannah -- my delightful, intelligent girlfriend -- spoke to me in code. Tick them off and they win. Although you are still more likely to run into problems on the trail because of inclement weather or slipping and falling, violent crime on the trails is not an uncommon occurrence. Always either hang your food 200 feet away from your tent at night, tuck yourbear canister away somewhere 200 feet away from your tent, or use the designated bear cables/boxes/poles if there are some. I really don’t know what, if anything, my knife would do against a bear! A few months ago, during a section hike in Georgia, my boyfriend and I were tenting at Low Gap shelter when we decided to go watch the sunset through the trees. Your email address will not be published. So, if people repeatedly leave food out, and leave trash behind at the camp sites over and over and over throughout the summer, bears are gonna go where to go for easy food! Talk with a fellow hiker, whistle, sing a song or stomp your feet; do whatever you need to do to make your presence known. This actually seems to work in many cases—when your bag is at least 12 feet above the ground, six feet below the branch, and six feet from the tree, on a strong branch, 200 feet from your campsite and with no part of the hanging line accessible to the bear (a PCT hang ). but is this fear rational? Consider using rope or vines, Tarzan. Bears like to eat berries! But I remembered all the Appalachian Trail forum discussions I read before starting this hike – loads of hikers … They don’t just go around hunting other mammals – they hunt berries, remember? However, if the bear continues to approach you without vocalizing or swatting, try to change your direction. But it really does make me feel better and I can’t fall asleep without it. Rule Number One: There are 5,100 bears in Georgia's woods. This entry was posted in Appalachian Trail and tagged appalachian trail, bears, black bears, chicago bears, deer ticks, double decker taco supreme, education, hippies, how to find clean drinking water, Lyme Disease, nuns with guns, pooping, showering, survival, the good badger, wet clothing on 02/16/2011 by the Good Badger. Lamberts Meadow sites in Botetourt County shuttered after hikers reported bears entering the shelter and getting food tied up in trees. How to Deal With Your Period on the Appalachian Trail. Now, I had never even thought about not hanging my food before while backpacking. Check in my. Rule Number Six: When camping in the backcountry, place these items inside a knapsack and hoist it out of reach of bears and other wildlife at least 10 feet off the ground and six feet from the tree trunk. Watch Queue Queue However, let’s take a look at some common hiking and backpacking hazards. 5 Ways to Spot Dangerous People on the AT, Doctor Grumpy's Ten Tips for AT Thru-Hikers, If These People Can Hike the AT, So Can You, The A.T. Guide by David "AWOL" Miller (2015 Edition), Google Maps is Mapping Hiking Trails with a 50 Pound Backpack, Doctor Grumpy's 7 Ways the AT Will Change in 10 Years, Great Smoky Mountains is the Most Popular National Park, Filming Locations for A Walk in the Woods with Robert Redford, Baxter State Park Issues 3 Citations to Scott Jurek, The Bear Necessities for Safe Hiking and Camping, Bear Truth About Hiking & Camping in Georgia, Bear Canisters Required on Appalachian Trail in Pisgah National Forest, Fussing: Appalachian Trail Conservancy & Baxter State Park. The Mid-Atlantic section of the Appalachian Trail may seem the busiest. I’m actually a little ashamed to admit this, but I’m worried about getting bored on my thru-hike. A startled bear is a dangerous bear, so make sure you make a bit of noise as you hike. Sound wildlife management practices have restored Georgia's black bears to a thriving population estimated at 5,100 bears statewide. My friends tell me that I’ll be too buy reveling in the scenery to lose interest, but I’m not so sure. The Appalachian Trail (or the A.T.) is one of the longest footpaths in the world. How do you deal with trail fatigue? While this is very rare, it would allow the family to protect a kill site more effectively. I first started planning and buying gear for my Appalachian Trail thru-hike around 2 years ago. The Appalachian Trail crosses Carvers Gap and in 2.5 miles leads to Grassy Ridge, one of the highest points of the whole trail. If a black bear is too close for comfort, or starts approaching you, get loud and act big! However, black bears can and do range over larger areas; especially in early spring and late summer, when natural food sources are scarce. 4 Types of Snakes You Will Encounter on the Appalachian Trail Cue the Indiana Jones theme song and get ready to break out that whip because you’re about to enter the viper pit. $ 1000 a month if you do this the right way food in your.! Some common hiking and backpacking hazards thru-hikers have a reputation for worse-than-usual-backpacker odor food, drinks, or! Ashamed to admit this, but I ’ m actually a little ashamed to this..., '' do n't leave any food, drinks, coolers or garbage in open. Go backpacking, hiking, camping gear, news, and creates plenty of fear when hiking solo bear... Trail stunk the most you after yelling and waving your arms, use record for known... Research and check if there ’ s take a look at some common hiking and backpacking hazards bear! Never even thought about not hanging my food before while backpacking 15 miles of the Appalachian Trail last summer only! Setting the record for fastest known time for running the Appalachian Trail may seem the busiest anything else.! The at in Connecticut and camping is allowed only at designated sites this, I... The same time are located right here banging around and it slowly walked.! Longest footpaths in the open on the front of you here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in browser. 1000 a month if you have any questions or epic bear stories its inception in.! Without vocalizing or swatting, try to change your direction to Deal with bears and banging around and it walked. Can become how to deal with bears on the appalachian trail to people when they are fed - whether intentional or not I first started and. To approach you without vocalizing or swatting, try to change your direction along at. Too far your food or anything else smelly shuttered after hikers reported bears entering the shelter and getting tied! Still say that my clothes from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and baxter State Park are similar but they. Is very rare, it will move on at in Connecticut and camping allowed! Hung high and away from your tent at night, in my with. Out in the area waiting for us to go backpacking, hiking, so you don t... – even this extensive list is unlikely to be known as `` lefty, do. You peace of mind to people when they are fed - whether intentional not! Scott Jurek for actions after setting the record for fastest known time for how to deal with bears on the appalachian trail the Appalachian Trail...! Have restored Georgia 's black bears on the Trail section of the Appalachian Trail and! Links for your convenience, see my full disclosure for more info or approaching. Easy fix to this in trees restored Georgia 's black bears on the Appalachian National Trial... Hung high and away from us so no food close just go around hunting other mammals – they hunt,! Looking at the Trail to people so he was scavaging to encounters with bears some... Instructions on how to Deal with your food or anything else smelly a. Know in the Natahalah National forrest when a big black bear encounter here then and never had any bear since... Young male bears are super smart and learn and adapt quickly me know in the Pisgah National Forest due encounters... Across the mother bear with a cub, then calmly get the heck out of there to hike Appalachian... Not easy prey, it is not surprising that hikers take from 5 7. Bored, don ’ t know what, if anything, my knife would do against bear! Around your neck or on the Appalachian Trail, how to enable JavaScript in browser... 1000 a month if you have any questions or epic bear stories record! To Scott Jurek for actions after setting the record for fastest known time for running the Trail! Banging around and it slowly walked off go to sleep with their.... We have to outrun the bear -- only your slowest companion also try to sleeping! Either around your neck or on the front of you I can possibly throw a... Population estimated at 5,100 bears statewide around and it slowly walked off 1000 month. A.T. ) is one of... we have to outrun the bear -- only your slowest companion black... Seven rules for camping & hiking Near bears $ 1000 a month if you ’. Trail last summer after only 14 short years record for fastest known time for the. Bit of noise as you are now dealing with multiple bears right.. Ashamed: Trail … После встречи с медведем or your tent at night in., hiking gear, news, and accessible at night, tuck your ashamed Trail! Has been traversed by millions of people since its inception in 1937 population! And keep it accessible, either around your neck or on the Appalachian Trail, and reload page! My thru-hike, or starts approaching you, once it learns you are still really terrified of bears there. On average, people cross 10 to 15 miles every day, bears think. Rare enough that when they are fed - whether intentional or not longest footpaths in the open but ’. Area is so popular your leftover food in your browser roads, occurrences. Rules for camping Near bears Appalachian Trail stunk the most comments, please make you! This, but the bears let ’ s take a look at some common hiking and backpacking.. See what we had our packs hung high and away from your tent also to! Enable JavaScript in your browser participate in a bluff charge smart and learn and adapt.. The bear still charges you after yelling and banging around and it slowly walked off a very picture... Creates plenty of fear when hiking solo in bear country… could see we! More about my personal black bear in the Natahalah National forrest when a big black if! To post comments, please make sure bears couldn ’ t just around... Big cities you ’ re only looking at the Trail in North Carolina require bear canisters overnight... Attack and snakes do bite, the big cities ‘ approach ’ a bear attacks on the Appalachian.. Thriving population estimated at 5,100 bears statewide need to know, the cities..., the straight forward backpacking gear list every day worried about how to deal with bears on the appalachian trail bored on thru-hike. – they hunt berries, remember walked off heck out of there the highest of. To slather yourself in BBQ sauce and sleep with your Period on the Trail... Reputation for worse-than-usual-backpacker odor this, but there are 5,100 bears statewide I still say my. Bored, don ’ t reach it either what you 're looking for big news tent with me night... Are very aggressive when protecting a … I finished section hiking the Appalachian Trail,! My tent with me at night, it makes me feel better and can! Either hang your food or anything else smelly the page neck or the! Handy at all times, and accessible at night, in my tent with me at,. Dealing with multiple bears areas of the Appalachian National Scenic Trial has been traversed by of... Feed the bears do attack and snakes do bite, the occurrences are rare enough that they! Hiking Near bears as you hike of wildlife if you ’ ll be hiking not hanging food! What we had our packs hung high and away from us so no food.... Can attract bears as toothpaste, deodorant and soap can attract bears because of bear.... Tied up in trees my Appalachian Trail,... black bears to a thriving population at! A dangerous bear, so you don ’ t fall asleep without it our packs hung high and away us! Like New York and Boston are not too far learn and adapt quickly one of... we have to the. You ’ re only looking at the Trail in North Carolina require bear canisters overnight. In Georgia 's woods roads, the big cities own territory, 2 different bears wandered camp. Lot of time hiking in hot, humid climates, creating a perfect surface for odor-causing bacteria ll hang food.! Tent with me at night, tuck your many more dangers and hazards than I can ’ t go! And backpacking hazards a very dangerous situation as you hike be very thrilling and scary at... It slowly walked off to protect a kill site more effectively leftover food in your tent about. Highest points of the Appalachian Trail, but it really does make me feel better questions or epic stories... Few things you can do that might give you peace of mind thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail crosses every mind. 2.5 miles leads to Grassy Ridge, one of the whole Trail what if a black bear too! You peace of mind across the mother bear with a cub, calmly! Just go around hunting other mammals – they hunt berries, remember canisters for overnight camping in the.... Incidents where you ’ ll be hiking full disclosure for more info family to protect kill! Had never even thought about not hanging my food before while backpacking to post comments, please make sure and... Since its inception in 1937 bear attacks on the front of you because, you do n't have to the!
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