Bear Baiting or Bear Behavior Modification?
Those pesky bears seem to have trouble reading the
signs when it comes to closed backcountry campsites in the Smokies. The campsite in question was #24 along Little River
trail. That site has been closed for a few weeks now.
Note: This story orginally posted May 2009.
Yep, it was just a couple of weeks ago when we hiked past campsite #24 along Little River trail and noticed that those
campsite bears had set-up their tent in apparent violation of the posted signs.
We called-out and gently rattled the tent but hearing no growling from within
we figured the campsite bears were not inside--must be they're up in a tree somewhere taking a nap. How'd they zip that
thing up with those huge paws anyway?
At least the campsite bears hung their can of sardines on the cables so none of
those pesky coyotes could get to it.
Uh-oh, someone has strapped a camera to the tree and it is aimed right at the big yellow tent. Wait until
the bears find out the park service has been taking their pictures. They're going to be in big trouble. I bet
they'll have to go to bed without their porridge.
.
Those park biologists don't play fair.
on a more serious note......
Bear Behavior Modification?
Perhaps park biologists are working here to teach bears in this area
that food smells emanating from a campsite do not necessarily mean food will be found in tents. The camera could be
used as a tool to observe bear behavior with regard to the tent. Hmmmm. What do you think?
Posted May 2009.
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