So first full day in Banff NP yesterday - Grizzly encounter

[step.eng69]

OK mister... This is the most ignorant post ever on this site. Completely worthless.

Why would you say that. RU gave sound, general information that ONE SHOULD KNOW when in the northwest territory.

 

[RU31trap]

Why would you say that. RU gave sound, general information that ONE SHOULD KNOW when in the northwest territory.

Thank you Step! Banff sounds like a beautiful National Park. The honey and I would love to visit the National Parks one day. I hope Testa uploads pictures.

As for my original post, I have a fear of Black and Grizzly Bears. I read that since 1960 a total of 124 humans have been killed by both Black and Grizzly Bears in North America. This does not account for attacks that did not result in a fatality. Peetz is correct, right now grizzlies are loading up in calories and will not differentiate between humans and easy prey.

 

[Cold Smoke]

Why would you say that. RU gave sound, general information that ONE SHOULD KNOW when in the northwest territory.

What ONE SHOULD KNOW is correct information about bears. Grizzly bears DO NOT hunt and kill humans by catching their scent while hiking, then staying clear until night, and then attacking in camp. This is complete nonsense that every bear expert would dispute and only serves to raise paranoia among unknowing backcountry users. Yes, bears can be dangerous, especially surprised sows with cubs or bears defending a carcass, but the idea that a bear will strategically and patiently hunt you down for food is about as likely as being stabbed by a unicorn. Re the Treadwell incident, most knowledgable Alaska authorities believe an adolescent bear was the culprit. Other bears in the area were attracted to the kill site and the two bodies.

And (second RU31 post)... bears feeding heavily in the fall "will not differentiate between humans and easy prey." More utter nonsense.

I'm no bear expert, but I have lived in close proximity to the great bear for 38 years in Montana and have spent more than two hundred days in grizzly backcountry areas in British Colunbia and Alaska. Is that what you mean by "the northwest territory"? As one who has worked for grizzly bear conservation, I find it a damn shame when bad info is put out there In any forum. Bad for people now and for the bear in the long run.

 

[Cosmos]

What part of Banff were you in? Did you have bear spray?
I was there in July and loved it, not the actual town of Banff so much (too touristy for me) but the area around it and the NP are gorgeous.
We stayed in Canmore and really liked it. I've never been in a more dog friendly place. And everyone had really great dogs, Labs, Shepherds, Huskies, Bernese Mt. Dogs...
Here are some pics if you are interested...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60907528@N02/albums/72157709682353641

Nothing against those color pics but your B&Ws are awesome. Ansel Adams, much!

 

[BBrown]

Nothing against those color pics but your B&Ws are awesome. Ansel Adams, much!

Thanks. I am a big fan of his and B&W pics.

 

[step.eng69]

"What ONE SHOULD KNOW is correct information about bears. Grizzly bears DO NOT hunt and kill humans by catching their scent while hiking, then staying clear until night, and then attacking in camp. This is complete nonsense that every bear expert would dispute and only serves to raise paranoia among unknowing backcountry users. Yes, bears can be dangerous, especially surprised sows with cubs or bears defending a carcass, but the idea that a bear will strategically and patiently hunt you down for food is about as likely as being stabbed by a unicorn. Re the Treadwell incident, most knowledgable Alaska authorities believe an adolescent bear was the culprit. Other bears in the area were attracted to the kill site and the two bodies".

Wouldn't a better way to respond to RU is leading with the paragraph above, instead of attacking him. Say your sorry to RU

 

[RU31trap]

What ONE SHOULD KNOW is correct information about bears. Grizzly bears DO NOT hunt and kill humans by catching their scent while hiking, then staying clear until night, and then attacking in camp. This is complete nonsense that every bear expert would dispute and only serves to raise paranoia among unknowing backcountry users. Yes, bears can be dangerous, especially surprised sows with cubs or bears defending a carcass, but the idea that a bear will strategically and patiently hunt you down for food is about as likely as being stabbed by a unicorn. Re the Treadwell incident, most knowledgable Alaska authorities believe an adolescent bear was the culprit. Other bears in the area were attracted to the kill site and the two bodies.

And (second RU31 post)... bears feeding heavily in the fall "will not differentiate between humans and easy prey." More utter nonsense.

I'm no bear expert, but I have lived in close proximity to the great bear for 38 years in Montana and have spent more than two hundred days in grizzly backcountry areas in British Colunbia and Alaska. Is that what you mean by "the northwest territory"? As one who has worked for grizzly bear conservation, I find it a damn shame when bad info is put out there In any forum. Bad for people now and for the bear in the long run.

The Bear that killed Timothy Treadwell was tagged 141. He was a 28 year old Grizzly, approximately 750lbs. and was missing 2 of his four K9’s. After State Police and Game warden killed the Bear they opened him up and found both Treadwells and his girlfriends remains. Treadwells body was dragged 40 yards from the campsite and half eaten and ironically his girlfriend was buried in a shallow grave 10 yards from the campsite with hands and chest eaten. Yes, you’re correct they killed a second much younger bear approximately 80 yards from the camp site because it was also feeding on Treadwells body. Let’s not argue about a bear being capable of picking up a scent, tracking and killing a human, let’s just focus on the facts surrounding Treadwells death which is documented by video, dates and an autopsy report. In one of Treadwells video’s as well as his movie he encounters Bear tagged 141 by a stream eating Salmon remains, this encounter took place three weeks (mid September) before the attack and approximately 400 yards from Treadwells campsite. In the video Treadwell said verbatim “This is one of few Bears that don’t trust, he has shown signs of aggression towards me”. Was it pure coincidence that this bear circled back and found his campsite? Perhaps he smelled food by the campsite? Not sure.

What about Michael Soltis being killed and eaten by a Grizzly in 2015. Even if you say this was pure coincidence, the fact that this same bear attacked and almost killed a second human in the same area can’t be dismissed. That guy who lived was very very lucky there were people within range that could hear his screams.

After reading the OP I got concerned which is why I offered my opinion on Grizzlies.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

What ONE SHOULD KNOW is correct information about bears. Grizzly bears DO NOT hunt and kill humans by catching their scent while hiking, then staying clear until night, and then attacking in camp. This is complete nonsense that every bear expert would dispute and only serves to raise paranoia among unknowing backcountry users. Yes, bears can be dangerous, especially surprised sows with cubs or bears defending a carcass, but the idea that a bear will strategically and patiently hunt you down for food is about as likely as being stabbed by a unicorn. Re the Treadwell incident, most knowledgable Alaska authorities believe an adolescent bear was the culprit. Other bears in the area were attracted to the kill site and the two bodies.

And (second RU31 post)... bears feeding heavily in the fall "will not differentiate between humans and easy prey." More utter nonsense.

I'm no bear expert, but I have lived in close proximity to the great bear for 38 years in Montana and have spent more than two hundred days in grizzly backcountry areas in British Colunbia and Alaska. Is that what you mean by "the northwest territory"? As one who has worked for grizzly bear conservation, I find it a damn shame when bad info is put out there In any forum. Bad for people now and for the bear in the long run.

Yup Smoke - they are fantastic animals. I work with a guy who literally grew up in Yellowstone and Yosemite - his dad was Chief of Ranger Operations at both. He went to Elementary School inside Yellowstone NP where they’d cancel recess sometimes because a bull elk or bear was roaming amongst the swing sets.

Anyway, I am following his advice closely.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Did you go all the way to the top at Lake Louise (beyond the tea house)?

I don't think there's a bad way to spend your day anywhere within a couple of hours from Banff.

Maybe I'm a sucker, but I actually liked the town too - not as a place to spend the day, but as a nice place to walk to a decent restaurant for some beer and food after a day of hiking.

We did get to the overlook, but things were socked in. Could only see some of the lower glaciers and the mountains only up to the big hanging glacier.

As an aside, the town is crawling with young hotties in their hiking tights, and Aussie girls working in the bars enjoying their 2 year work visas. My inner dirty old man can hardly stand it. No pics but the blond server last night had a booty that was spell binding. I’m sure she’s a naughty minx

 

[Cold Smoke]

The Bear that killed Timothy Treadwell was tagged 141. He was a 28 year old Grizzly, approximately 750lbs. and was missing 2 of his four K9’s. After State Police and Game warden killed the Bear they opened him up and found both Treadwells and his girlfriends remains. Treadwells body was dragged 40 yards from the campsite and half eaten and ironically his girlfriend was buried in a shallow grave 10 yards from the campsite with hands and chest eaten. Yes, you’re correct they killed a second much younger bear approximately 80 yards from the camp site because it was also feeding on Treadwells body. Let’s not argue about a bear being capable of picking up a scent, tracking and killing a human, let’s just focus on the facts surrounding Treadwells death which is documented by video, dates and an autopsy report. In one of Treadwells video’s as well as his movie he encounters Bear tagged 141 by a stream eating Salmon remains, this encounter took place three weeks (mid September) before the attack and approximately 400 yards from Treadwells campsite. In the video Treadwell said verbatim “This is one of few Bears that don’t trust, he has shown signs of aggression towards me”. Was it pure coincidence that this bear circled back and found his campsite? Perhaps he smelled food by the campsite? Not sure.

What about Michael Soltis being killed and eaten by a Grizzly in 2015. Even if you say this was pure coincidence, the fact that this same bear attacked and almost killed a second human in the same area can’t be dismissed. That guy who lived was very very lucky there were people within range that could hear his screams.

After reading the OP I got concerned which is why I offered my opinion on Grizzlies.

OK Ru31, I should apologize, and do, for my harsh response to your first post. Could have handled it better, no doubt.
First, I think I know what happened with the Treadwell tragedy, but the specific details of the bear(s) behaviors in that instance are of little consequence for this thread because Tim was asking for trouble. Begging for trouble, actually. He was warned many times by people who know bears much better than he did. In fact, the generally docile nature of his brown bear “friends” is why he lived as long as he did. He very well might have died his first year in Katmai. The greater shame is someone had to die a terrible death with him. People should think about that before they admire him for his folly.
My main point RU31 and pet peeve is well meaning people like you, who know a little about grizzlies, dispersing baloney as fact about bear behavior. They DO NOT hunt down and kill people for food - except in the rarest of occasions. If they did, fall in Montana would be wide open warfare between hunters and bears. It is not. Ascribing invalid bad behaviors to bears gets them killed. Whether it’s a ‘shit in his pants’ elk hunter from Wisconsin or a trigger happy tourist hiker packing a .44 who took a shot at a bear doing nothing dangerous. The bear ends up dying. Even worse is some dolt politician making rules to protect the public from the big bad bears. Bears should be respected, not feared. With bear spray mixed in the equation.
OK, that’s my two cents. Out.

 

[BBrown]

We did get to the overlook, but things were socked in. Could only see some of the lower glaciers and the mountains only up to the big hanging glacier.

As an aside, the town is crawling with young hotties in their hiking tights, and Aussie girls working in the bars enjoying their 2 year work visas. My inner dirty old man can hardly stand it. No pics but the blond server last night had a booty that was spell binding. I’m sure she’s a naughty minx

I noticed that in Canmore as well. From what I over heard Canada is very welcoming, with regards to work visas.

 

[RU31trap]

OK Ru31, I should apologize, and do, for my harsh response to your first post. Could have handled it better, no doubt.
First, I think I know what happened with the Treadwell tragedy, but the specific details of the bear(s) behaviors in that instance are of little consequence for this thread because Tim was asking for trouble. Begging for trouble, actually. He was warned many times by people who know bears much better than he did. In fact, the generally docile nature of his brown bear “friends” is why he lived as long as he did. He very well might have died his first year in Katmai. The greater shame is someone had to die a terrible death with him. People should think about that before they admire him for his folly.
My main point RU31 and pet peeve is well meaning people like you, who know a little about grizzlies, dispersing baloney as fact about bear behavior. They DO NOT hunt down and kill people for food - except in the rarest of occasions. If they did, fall in Montana would be wide open warfare between hunters and bears. It is not. Ascribing invalid bad behaviors to bears gets them killed. Whether it’s a ‘shit in his pants’ elk hunter from Wisconsin or a trigger happy tourist hiker packing a .44 who took a shot at a bear doing nothing dangerous. The bear ends up dying. Even worse is some dolt politician making rules to protect the public from the big bad bears. Bears should be respected, not feared. With bear spray mixed in the equation.
OK, that’s my two cents. Out.

I apologize as well. My initial post was too much. My son drove me absolutely crazy when he and his friends would go on hikes with no Bear Spray. He finally listened to his mom and decided to carry bear spray. No grizzlies here only Black Bear.

 

[Aardvark86]

I noticed that in Canmore as well. From what I over heard Canada is very welcoming, with regards to work visas.

nothing could be further from the truth. Canada is actually a horrific PITA with respect to work visas.

 

[BoulderFish]

We did get to the overlook, but things were socked in. Could only see some of the lower glaciers and the mountains only up to the big hanging glacier.

As an aside, the town is crawling with young hotties in their hiking tights, and Aussie girls working in the bars enjoying their 2 year work visas. My inner dirty old man can hardly stand it. No pics but the blond server last night had a booty that was spell binding. I’m sure she’s a naughty minx

LOL

Minus the lack of pics, love this post right here.

 

[BBrown]

nothing could be further from the truth. Canada is actually a horrific PITA with respect to work visas.

I was at 2 different restaurants/bars in Canmore. Both of them had Aussie waiter and waitress. They said the exact opposite. So thats all I have to go on.¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Aardvark86]

I was at 2 different restaurants/bars in Canmore. Both of them had Aussie waiter and waitress. They said the exact opposite. So thats all I have to go on.¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Try getting a geologist in. Even a blond female one.

 

[canuckhal]

Bear attacks are extremely rare and usually a sick bear or protecting its young or food. I've come across 5 black bears and 2 grizzlies. in all instances, bears either ran or walked away. Here is a link and video on what to do.

https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/bears.htm#CP_JUMP_852999

 

[BBrown]

Bear attacks are extremely rare and usually a sick bear or protecting its young or food. I've come across 5 black bears and 2 grizzlies. in all instances, bears either ran or walked away. Here is a link and video on what to do.

https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/bears.htm#CP_JUMP_852999

We rented bear spray at one of the bike and sporting goods stores in Banff. The guy/guide told us you don't normally have to worry about the bear on the trail ahead of you or behind you, its the one that comes out on the side that can be a problem.

 

[canuckhal]

We rented bear spray at one of the bike and sporting goods stores in Banff. The guy/guide told us you don't normally have to worry about the bear on the trail ahead of you or behind you, its the one that comes out on the side that can be a problem.

Yes. When they don't know you are there. Not good to surprise a bear. I've literally walked by two in a tree and didn't see them. They dropped out of the tree and ran in the other direction but I actually thought one was running toward me. Fortunately, I was able to grab the dog. My hiking partner told me as I only heard them and saw one's rear end running. I didn't even know there were two of them.

Another encounter I was on the trail by myself. A baby moose ran by me, followed by its mother. They saw me but kept running. I could actually see their eyes get bigger as they passed me. I was wondering what was chasing them when a bear came to a full stop on the trail seeing me. Fortunately, the bear just looked at me and then walked away. Who knows but I might have saved the moose.

 

[Aardvark86]

Yes. When they don't know you are there. Not good to surprise a bear. I've literally walked by two in a tree and didn't see them. They dropped out of the tree and ran in the other direction but I actually thought one was running toward me. Fortunately, I was able to grab the dog. My hiking partner told me as I only heard them and saw one's rear end running. I didn't even know there were two of them.

Another encounter I was on the trail by myself. A baby moose ran by me, followed by its mother. They saw me but kept running. I could actually see their eyes get bigger as they passed me. I was wondering what was chasing them when a bear came to a full stop on the trail seeing me. Fortunately, the bear just looked at me and then walked away. Who knows but I might have saved the moose.

Whenever we see black bears here in va my moron wife always says “shhh. Let’s get closer for a picture”.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Went to Yoho NP and back to Banff again.

Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake in Yoho

Canoeing on Moraine Lake in Banff and a black bear sighting - this time at a safer distance with the car nearby.

The lakes are the color of Aquafresh toothpaste - just crazy beautiful

Tomorrow is the drive to Jasper along the Icefield Parkway. Supposed to have better weather so ready for Canada to show off even more

 

[Aardvark86]

Went to Yoho NP and back to Banff again.

Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake in Yoho

Canoeing on Moraine Lake in Banff and a black bear sighting - this time at a safer distance with the car nearby.

The lakes are the color of Aquafresh toothpaste - just crazy beautiful

Tomorrow is the drive to Jasper along the Icefield Parkway. Supposed to have better weather so ready for Canada to show off even more

Lucky man. Isn’t that color not to be believed? I have a pic of my daughter canoeing and it’s so beautiful it looks fake.

Great drive. Dramatic. Stop at the glacier. Athabasca falls ok but not compelling.
Go to the deli in jasper while there!

 

[BBrown]

Went to Yoho NP and back to Banff again.

Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake in Yoho

Canoeing on Moraine Lake in Banff and a black bear sighting - this time at a safer distance with the car nearby.

The lakes are the color of Aquafresh toothpaste - just crazy beautiful

Tomorrow is the drive to Jasper along the Icefield Parkway. Supposed to have better weather so ready for Canada to show off even more

Yea that turquoise color is crazy gorgeous. People that have seen my pics think I “enhanced” them and mumble “photoshop”
No that’s really how they look. It’s sonething called “rock flour” from the glaciers. If you hike the trail around lake Louise you can see where it enters the lake.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Poutine is so ****ing good

 

[yyssp7]

Just got back from Glacier, Banff, and Jasper on Sunday. Saw 3 grizzlies on 2 separate instances in Glacier. No issues. People were getting way to close to elk in Banff haha. Beautiful places. Glacier had the most diverse landscape and hence was my favorite but Banff had breathtaking views and the drive to Jasper was awesome for seeing big glaciers in Icefields Parkway. Enjoy!

 

[Dixi]

Tomorrow is the drive to Jasper along the Icefield Parkway

Be alert on that drive, especially this time of the year if driving around dusk or dawn. The rut is starting and there will be a few large bulls oblivious to vehicles in the park. At least that was the case the last time I visited this time of the year. Enjoy, it's a spectacular place.

 

[Aardvark86]

Just got back from Glacier, Banff, and Jasper on Sunday. Saw 3 grizzlies on 2 separate instances in Glacier. No issues. People were getting way to close to elk in Banff haha. Beautiful places. Glacier had the most diverse landscape and hence was my favorite but Banff had breathtaking views and the drive to Jasper was awesome for seeing big glaciers in Icefields Parkway. Enjoy!

Did you do Watertown?

 

[yyssp7]

Did you do Watertown?

I did not