[pct-l] Re: Bears in the Cal Sierra -- What's Going On

[goslowgofar@yahoo.com (goslowgofar)]

This is a confusing situation.  I know that canisters
are mandatory in certain areas on the Inyo National
Forest.  In Yosemite the regulations state "proper
food storage required" which includes the
counterbalance method.  However, if you are above tree
line and you can't counterbalance your food bag, then
the only legal "proper food storage" method is a bear
canister. So I guess that makes their use mandatory in
certain areas.  I got this information from park's
Wildlife Biologist, who runs the bear management
program.  (His office is next door to mine.)  The
rangers encourage the use of canisters because that is
the method that is the most effective in Yosemite.  I
also spoke with the Wilderness program manager, who
says that they don't worry too much about thru-hikers,
since they come through early in the season before the
bears are very active, and that they were experienced
wilderness users and not considered a problem.(You
should see some of the "inexperienced" wilderness
users we get here - scary!)
I agree with Tom's friend; I use a canister because it
saves a lot of hassle.

Katy in Yosemite

--- "Reynolds, WT" <reynolds@ilan.com> wrote:
> I believe that the confusion in Yosemite has to do
> with two things. First is
> where you enter the park. If you receive your permit
> at a Yosemite entrance
> the permit says that bear cans are required. They
> enforce this. Is that
> legally true? I don't know and really have no way to
> find out. There is a
> persistant rumor that the mandatory rule in Yosemite
> is not really
> mandatory. However they say that very clearly and
> they ask if you have one
> on the trail. I can assure you, however that Inyo
> will ticket you.



__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/