Re: Throwing rocks at a bear must be OK

From the article:
"Stewart Breck, a federal carnivore ecologist in Ft. Collins, Colo., has documented that bears near Yosemite choose to break into minivans more often than other vehicles, presumably because they expect to find more food."

If we can only entice them to switch over to SUVs....

...Or Broncos

Watch it guy.

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Old Dude

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mrcondron
Watch it guy.

I thought that your vee-hickel was classified as an APC.

When I got my wilderness permit in Yosemite Saturday the ranger gave a little speech. She said to throw pine cones or rocks. The backside was preferred when throwing rocks. I guess it is OK.

traildad,

I question whether she actually meant hitting the bear but rather just throw rocks close to it. That's usually been the advice disseminated in the past. Most of the actual hitting of bears has been by rangers using rubber bullets in conjunction with shouting. Of course if I tried this while observing a bear attempting to break into my car I would probably put a rock through the windshield!

Jim



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/02/2009 06:51AM by tomdisco.

This problem is obviously due to me not being able to shoot them. (see comments from article link)

Caution! Chick-on may be carrying without a permit.

Jim:

CCW = Carrying Concealed Wing-man

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tomdisco
I question whether she actually meant hitting the bear but rather just throw rocks close to it.

The first time I got the "throw rocks at the bear" ranger talk she definitely meant hitting the bear. But she also said you don't need to.

I'm left wondering why the superintendent hasn't authorized the public to possess and use clearly marked paintball guns (with only clear paintballs) for the express purpose of hazing bears. I know it's considered a weapon, but so are a good many items that superintendents of several NPS units have declared OK for the public to use.

I know if I had one I would have just pumped a few right into the side of this guy rather than just sit around and wait for the cavalry to show up:

I read somewhere a while back that slingshots are illegal in NF/NP/Wilderness. Is this really true?

what I've learned first-hand

store your food properly (in the bear lockers not in your tent)
if bears are coming in and haven't secured something to eat, make noises, bang pots and pans
if that doesn't work, throw rocks at their big furry butts and make it uncomfortable for them to be there
do not try to take food away from a bear because they don't like that and can open up your abdomen much easier than canned food

if it gets to that point, the bear probably will be shot eventually, all because #1 rule was violated

I have also learned a lot of things first hand.

But most of the time I woke up and realized they were maybe only second hand.

But I never stoled other people's first hand experiences and tried to make them mine. That would only qualify as being underhanded, sick, and Vince-Hand.

Wait, let me make everything OK by saying - Mustang is a little lighter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/02/2009 07:32PM by Richard P.

It said to stand together and act intimidating.
Shout and bang pots together.
Technically the schmo in the picture is doing it all wrong. (pots v. pot)
Nothing about throwing rocks...

Bronco won't start, so can't throw that.

Mustang is a little lighter, however

GPG, re-post that peek-chure of the sign that shows a terrified bear running away -- I am trying to remember if the "people" on the sign were throwing rocks.

Nothing about throwing pots, either

Perhaps just sit down and smote poks and play your pans would do it

She meant to hit the bear I am sure. She did not recommend hitting the bear in the face/head with the rocks. I think pine cones were ok for the face/head. Rocks for the backside.

Kind and considerate Bill-e-g makes sure I have a rock in my pack in the event of a bear attack.

http://picasaweb.google.com/dale.dekeyser/OldTioga#5373546073957125378

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Old Dude

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mrcondron
Kind and considerate Bill-e-g makes sure I have a rock in my pack in the event of a bear attack.

http://picasaweb.google.com/dale.dekeyser/OldTioga#5373546073957125378

You are supposed to use smaller rocks than that!

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eeek

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mrcondron
Kind and considerate Bill-e-g makes sure I have a rock in my pack in the event of a bear attack.

http://picasaweb.google.com/dale.dekeyser/OldTioga#5373546073957125378

You are supposed to use smaller rocks than that!

However... that rock is an appropriate size to throw at a Bronco.

That's not a rock -- it's a boulder!!

Backpack ballast. Weights down the bottom of the pack so you don't tip over from being top heavy when using log crossings. Also handy for bears if you get up sort of real close. bill-e-g thinks of everything. Good thing he's watching out for you, Mike.

Jim



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 09/03/2009 12:15PM by tomdisco.