Don't know what to call this

[leslie]

Actually, I started this thread for a duscussion of all the factors that come into play for a safe trip to our national parks, but everybody latched onto the bears, which are not exactly insignificant. However, after reading the comments here, I did not know bears would find toothpaste tasty and have to take precautions.

More people seem to die from stupid actvities, particularly walks after dark without a flashlight. Getting drunk all by itself is a risk factor. Getting drunk while camping near a cliff, well, you can imagine.

There are several books about death in particular national parks. Only this one is available on Kindle. I am not going to accumulate a library in my camper of physical books. It has to be on Kindle, or forget it. Hasn't anyone else read any of these books on death in national parks?

[chuck893]

[quote source="/post/17616/thread" timestamp="1452391868" author="@leslie"]Actually, I started this thread for a duscussion of all the factors that come into play for a safe trip to our national parks, but everybody latched onto the bears, which are not exactly insignificant. However, after reading the comments here, I did not know bears would find toothpaste tasty and have to take precautions.

More people seem to die from stupid actvities, particularly walks after dark without a flashlight. Getting drunk all by itself is a risk factor. Getting drunk while camping near a cliff, well, you can imagine.

There are several books about death in particular national parks. Only this one is available on Kindle. I am not going to accumulate a library in my camper of physical books. It has to be on Kindle, or forget it. Hasn't anyone else read any of these books on death in national parks?[/quote]You are absolutely right! I missed your point completely! I looked up common causes of deaths in national parks and found this useful graph: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/What-are-the-top-causes-of-death-in-national-6449157.php#photo-8478849


So the principal cause is drowning, followed by vehicle accidents and falls. Note that bear attacks and "other wildlife" are at the bottom, and the statistics cover a 6 year period. So yer right: don't stand up in boats or goof around at the top of waterfalls and the NP System is probably survivable. (rofl)   (And I never drink so there's that.) 

I got thinking about "other wildlife" and remember an incident in Yosemite years ago. There has been a herd of mule deer on the valley floor forever, all deeply habituated to humans who feed the little flea-and-tick infested brown-eyed Bambis copiously despite it being strictly forbidden. A young dad held his toddler daughter up to an equally young mule deer so they were nose-to-nose, "for a picture" of course; something spooked the deer, which spun around and bolted, kicking the child in the head, killing her. That is more rare than bear attack, but there is a reason why the NP's want you to stay away from the wildlife. 

[pinstriper]

[quote timestamp="1452539690" source="/post/17661/thread" author="@chuck893"][quote source="/post/17616/thread" author="@leslie" timestamp="1452391868"]Actually, I started this thread for a duscussion of all the factors that come into play for a safe trip to our national parks, but everybody latched onto the bears, which are not exactly insignificant. However, after reading the comments here, I did not know bears would find toothpaste tasty and have to take precautions.

More people seem to die from stupid actvities, particularly walks after dark without a flashlight. Getting drunk all by itself is a risk factor. Getting drunk while camping near a cliff, well, you can imagine.

There are several books about death in particular national parks. Only this one is available on Kindle. I am not going to accumulate a library in my camper of physical books. It has to be on Kindle, or forget it. Hasn't anyone else read any of these books on death in national parks?[/quote]You are absolutely right! I missed your point completely! I looked up common causes of deaths in national parks and found this useful graph: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/What-are-the-top-causes-of-death-in-national-6449157.php#photo-8478849


So the principal cause is drowning, followed by vehicle accidents and falls. Note that bear attacks and "other wildlife" are at the bottom, and the statistics cover a 6 year period. So yer right: don't stand up in boats or goof around at the top of waterfalls and the NP System is probably survivable. (rofl)   (And I never drink so there's that.) 

I got thinking about "other wildlife" and remember an incident in Yosemite years ago. There has been a herd of mule deer on the valley floor forever, all deeply habituated to humans who feed the little flea-and-tick infested brown-eyed Bambis copiously despite it being strictly forbidden. A young dad held his toddler daughter up to an equally young mule deer so they were nose-to-nose, "for a picture" of course; something spooked the deer, which spun around and bolted, kicking the child in the head, killing her. That is more rare than bear attack, but there is a reason why the NP's want you to stay away from the wildlife. 

[/quote]That shouldn't be attributed to "other wildlife". That should be "death by stupid".

[scout]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-deer-vs-dog-video-goes-viral-on-youtube-1.945346

pets & wildlife don't mix either...apologies in advance for all you dog lovers...

[peislander]

A few years ago in Cape Breton Highlands National Park (Nova Scotia, Canada) a hiker was attacked & killed by a coyote. Coyotes aren't indigenous to most (or all?) of Canada but as they've moved in some have been hybridized with wolves resulting in coyotes that are considerably more aggressive than the typical American ones. They are likely hungrier here too...

[admin]

The wolf/coyote hybrid is becoming an increasing problem here in NC. There is essentially an open season on coyotes but as they inter breed with the wolf population it creates a very dangerous hybrid with a grey area in regards to hunting.

[shovelhead]

Leslie dont worry about the bears... just make sure you can out run hubby.......

[pinstriper]

Fishing buddy of mine just reported a recent (2 weeks) sighting of bear tracks along the Wilson River. Not to worry, that must be a good 50 miles away from Ft. Stevens. That bear would have to cover like 300 yards a day to reach the park by late July.

[canuck]

Hello,

Enjoying the great out doors in Alberta we tend to see allot of bears. Kinda goes with the territory. When out hiking we always carry bear spray and will consider using flares and whistlers. Even at our camping spot a bear spray is always within reach. The flares and whistlers are small cartridges that are shot using a spring loaded pen like device. Some like using bear bangers, we generally do not like them as some grizzlies have been conditioned to the sound of gunshots. Generally means that there could be an easy meal. Sorry, but I don't like ringing the dinner bell! Also, if you are going to use them you must be aware of the wind, your location and the bear. Some instances you do not want to use them at all. National Parks these devices are not permitted. Bear spray is the best, as long as you know how to deploy and use it effectively.

Our last bear encounter occurred while we were sitting having a snack when two young juvenile grizzlies came out of the woods about fifty yards from us. When these two eventually figured out we were around they stood up and looked directly at us. Man they were big! The bear spray defiantly came out with the safeties removed. We eventually continued on our way but I could have sworn they came around and were following us from behind. We fired off a few flares and whistlers just to make sure. 

Really the only wildlife that we are uncomfortable with are moose. They are just plain nasty. 

Enjoy!

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[pinstriper]

Bear spray <<< .44 Remington Magnum

Defense in layers.

[canuck]

Pinstriper,

That was very funny and unexpected. I had to look up what a .44 Remington Magnum was. That would surely perform the task at hand. 

I think it would leave one heck of a mess!

Still laughing! Bravo.