Bear Mauling Denali Highway
Bear attack reported at Mile 68 of the Denali Highway.
Forum Discussion
I am probably going to catch flack for this, but here goes:
So you are wake up from a deep slumber by ugly, smelly, and noisy creatures in your home. You try to run, you try to hide, but they keep coming after you. So what option do you have but to protect yourself with your bare paws? Then, after one of the ugly creatures kills you, the first thing out of the local news is that a viscous homeowner mauled a poor defenseless creature.
Stories like this one, just serve to sensualize the "attack" and add to the misperception that bears are out "hunting people"....which couldn't be further from the truth. So while I hate to see a creature in pain, I don't feel sorry for the hunter. Poor bear.
Leave them alone and, more than likely, they will leave you alone. They are beautiful creatures. Enjoy their presence and take joy in knowing that there are still wild places left for them to live. (I am not a rabid environmentalist either)
Regarding hanging food, forget it unless the tree is quite high and even then, I have seen bears batting at food bags in trees many times. Use electric fences, bear barrels or other IGBC (International Grizzly Bear Council) approved containers.
Remember, when you see me up there this summer, hitchhiking either before or after a trip in the bush, please consider giving me a lift. I really am not a monster.....though if it is after the backcountry trip, I am likely to be pretty darn hungry so hide the little dog :)
OK, may the sticks and stones fly.
So you are wake up from a deep slumber by ugly, smelly, and noisy creatures in your home. You try to run, you try to hide, but they keep coming after you. So what option do you have but to protect yourself with your bare paws? Then, after one of the ugly creatures kills you, the first thing out of the local news is that a viscous homeowner mauled a poor defenseless creature.
Stories like this one, just serve to sensualize the "attack" and add to the misperception that bears are out "hunting people"....which couldn't be further from the truth. So while I hate to see a creature in pain, I don't feel sorry for the hunter. Poor bear.
Leave them alone and, more than likely, they will leave you alone. They are beautiful creatures. Enjoy their presence and take joy in knowing that there are still wild places left for them to live. (I am not a rabid environmentalist either)
Regarding hanging food, forget it unless the tree is quite high and even then, I have seen bears batting at food bags in trees many times. Use electric fences, bear barrels or other IGBC (International Grizzly Bear Council) approved containers.
Remember, when you see me up there this summer, hitchhiking either before or after a trip in the bush, please consider giving me a lift. I really am not a monster.....though if it is after the backcountry trip, I am likely to be pretty darn hungry so hide the little dog :)
OK, may the sticks and stones fly.
