Williwaw, post: 401610, member: 7066 wrote: I wouldn't be overly worried about grizzlies if I were you. Just two things to remember in bear country. 1. Grizzlies don't much care for surprises, especially sows with cubs. Stay together and make plenty of noise out hiking and keep your eyes and ears open. and 2. They take their food very seriously. If you're out hiking and see a tree full of magpies or ravens, probably good idea to take a different route. I've been within spitting distance of grizzlies several times over the years, saw a huge one out hunting last fall. Got wind of me from a 1/4 mile away, did a 180 and took off at a full run. About the worst thing in the world you can do is shoot one at close range with a hand gun. You'll surely just royally piss them off and give them a good reason to want to take you out. Bear spray's the way to go. My experience is they want nothing to do with people, your food however is a different story. Y'all will have a blast. I do hope to make it there some day.
Good advice. Thanks!
RADAR, post: 401611, member: 413 wrote: I was told that the best thing to do is take the front sight off your pistol; that way it won't hurt as much when the bear takes it away from you and shoves it up your....
Reminds me of a funny story this air taxi pilot related to me years ago how when he dropped off a Japanese guy and his kayak in Glacier Bay. Before taking off he asked the guy if he had any protection from bears and the Japanese guy shrugged no, so the pilot handed him a can of bear repellent and told him to keep it before taking off. So then the pilot taxied off the beach and got himself lined up for take off and looked back over his shoulder before goosing the throttle to see the Japanese kayaker frantically waving his arms around before dashing into the water. Apparently the guy thought the thing to do was hose himself down with the pepper spray thinking it must work just like bug repellent.
Williwaw, post: 401618, member: 7066 wrote: Apparently the guy thought the thing to do was hose himself down with the pepper spray thinking it must work just like bug repellent.
That made me laugh out loud...
We saw one black bear on a hike at Glacier. It came crashing downslope on the other side of the drainage from us, landing about 30 yards away and disappeared the direction that we came from. I had forgotten that, but believe me, my wife hasn't. You should have no problems hiking with kids, they usually make plenty of noise. Otherwise, we carry bells with us in BC, they make just enough noise to alert anything around the corner of your approach. As mentioned before, check with the ranger everyday if you can. They have a very good idea of what hikes are appropriate for your family.
Unless you cross the border often, look into that carefully. It can be a hassle getting proper ID for everyone. Some food is not allowed to cross but it would be a good experience for the Kids (they may get questioned about their parentage). If you choose to cross, ask the border agent about a hike to a Border Monument. That would be a splendid family photograph.
