[pct-l] Bear Encounters, Attacks Grow

[reynolds@iLAN.com (Reynolds, WT)]

Re: Stealth Camping.

In 1999 I camped at Lower Vidette Meadows. I was not bothered. however, when
I walked through Upper Vidette Meadows the next day [less than a mile], I
heard the stories of the bears overturning the bear box and keeping the
entire camp up all night.

In 1990 I camped 1/2 mile from the bear cables on Rafferty Creek in Lyell
Canyon [Yosemite]. No bears. But when I walked through the campstie the next
morning I met many people who had lost food from the cables.

In 1992 I camped south of Sunrise Camp in Long Valley [Yosemite]. No bears.
However, less than a mile down the trail I met two parties who had their
food taken.

This situation has happende about 10 times. I see no bear but someone less
than a mile away has had a "Bear night". Some have lost food.

I don't stealth camp. I ALWAYS use an established camp prefering to not
screw up the wilderness any more than it already is. My experience leads me
to believe that my "magic dayglo pink paint" wards off bears. Another friend
of mine has had similer experiences. He believes in his "magic dayglo green
paint"

Stealth camping and magic paint appear to work about the same.