It seems some folks just don't learn - no matter how much you talk about it.
There was an incident a couple of weeks ago up at Little Jimmy campground (for those of you who don't know, Little Jimmy is off the PCT west about three miles or so of Baden-Powell). The report we received was there was a camper up there who had an altercation with a bear. The result was the bear bit the camper in the leg or foot. I haven't heard if the camper aggravated or scared the bear, or the bear initiated the action.
An investigation by our local bear authority and our wildlife folks showed the campsite was absolutely filthy. It was reported they had food and trash everywhere. Of course the bear couldn't resist the free meal ticket; and we all know what happens to bears who insist on the free meal ticket.
A few days ago, or so, the same bear was seen again in the same general area by another person. The bear didn't want to go away. So the person threw rocks and yelled at it and did everything you could do to make it go away. Well, the bear held it's ground and basically gave him the look "You've gotta be kidding." and didn't leave. Finally, the bear did back away.
I have been told that when the bear is found they will have to put it down as it will probably become more aggressive. Now that's a real high price to pay for some person's idiocy. The lesson, once again, be extra careful how you handle and store your food in the forest. And please, please don't leave trash out there, the stuff doesn't disappear miraculously. My final point, feeding or leaving food around for the animals isn't the kind of help they need.
OK, I'm through sermonizing.
