[Philmont]: Re: Bears

>I know I'm getting facetious, but how much of this bear advice is
good advice that is rarely required, and how much is it sober precautions
for a real risk?
 
One aspect that I haven't seen mentioned is that many of the protocols at
Philmont are as much to protect the bears as to protect the campers. Sure you
can probably get by with leaving smellables out of the bear bag. But what
about the bear that gets used to hanging around campsites due to
careless/reckless campers who don't want to take the time to follow the rules? I believe
that bears at Philmont who don't have the proper fear of humans stand the risk
of being trapped and relocated. More aggressive ones have been captured and
destroyed. Everyone should religiously follow the Philmont bear protocols,
not only for your protection but for the bear's welfare also. After all,
while there may be 20,000 humans at Philmont each summer, there are only a
couple of hundred bears!
 
In my 10 trips to Philmont (including 2 Rayado treks & a season of
Rangering) I've only seen 5-6 bears.
 
Mike Meenehan
National Capital Area Council

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Received on Wed Jun 1 20:11:37 2005