+Team Rampant Lion Posted June 19, 2005 Share Posted June 19, 2005 (edited) Another bear encounter this week. The full story, which is entertaining, is here "Ay Caramba" log. Well, it's as least as entertaining as a DNF can be. This encounter was a little unnerving as the bear was unrelentless in coming toward me. The picture stinks because I was starting to realize I might have a real encounter here and my hand was shaking. He was walking when I first saw him and as he (or she) started to approach I wanted to make sure he saw me while far enough away to turn. When I yelled, he appeared to actually pick up the pace. I blew my whistle and he appeared to break into a jog toward me. I grabbed my open pack, threw it over one shoulder, jumped on my bike and headed the other way (FAST). I didn't like that one. Edited June 19, 2005 by Team Rampant Lion Quote Link to comment
+Tiffany's Slaves Posted June 19, 2005 Share Posted June 19, 2005 Did you go back for the pack? Remind us not to foolow you on a caching expedition. Quote Link to comment
+BMSquared Posted June 19, 2005 Share Posted June 19, 2005 If it was coming towards you like that, you may want to report it to the rangers. Bears that have lost their fear of humans, and bears that are openly agressive may require action on the ranger's part. This is a potentially serious issue for other hikers in the area. Quote Link to comment
+trail hound Posted June 19, 2005 Share Posted June 19, 2005 LIONS AND BIKERS AND BEARS OH- MY!!!! Quote Link to comment
+lakelady Posted June 19, 2005 Share Posted June 19, 2005 I was reading the prior posts for this cache and it sounds like you must have run into the "natural hazzard" that had been discussed earlier. Quote Link to comment
+The Frantic Cachers Posted June 19, 2005 Share Posted June 19, 2005 Oddly enough, I was going to tackle this cache yesterday but Laura and Garrett opted for a shorter Ramapo hike. Kinda glad we didn't go. Quote Link to comment
+Natureboy44 Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 Hey TRL!!! Maybe the bear was looking for a Father's Day dinner too... YOU! Quote Link to comment
+BMSquared Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 Looks a lot like this guy. and the still shot here Quote Link to comment
shanni-bugbait-wren Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 LIONS AND BIKERS AND BEARS OH- MY!!!! LMAO>>>>>> I was thinking the same thing! Quote Link to comment
+BMSquared Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 Subject: DEP NEWS: IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 17, 2005 Contact: Karen Hershey (609) 984-1795 DEP ANNOUNCES PROGRAM TO MANAGE BEAR COMPLAINTS Town of West Milford to Receive 200K to Purchase Bear Resistant Garbage Cans (05/79) TRENTON -New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today presented West Milford Township, Passaic County with a $200,000 grant to purchase bear resistant garbage cans and help minimize bear problems throughout the state. Township officials plan to acquire the cans in the fall, a time when bear nuisance complaints in West Milford are at their highest. "One of the best ways to discourage nuisance bears is by storing garbage properly," said Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "These bear resistant cans will not only help reduce bear garbage problems in West Milford, it will also provide useful data regarding the effectiveness of using bear resistant garbage cans to keep bears in their natural habitat-away from residential neighborhoods." "These cans will help us better manage our bear problems and improve the quality of life for West Milford residents," said West Milford Township Mayor Joseph Di Donato. Cans will be distributed to every household free of charge in six West Milford neighborhoods where bear incidents have been particularly high in recent years. The remainder of the funding will go toward subsidizing the purchase of cans for the entire municipality. Residents will be able to purchase bear resistant garbage cans for a nominal fee. "Public education and responsible garbage management are among the many important tools we need to employ in the comprehensive management of our black bear population in New Jersey," said Martin Mchugh, Director of DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife. "This pilot project will help evaluate the benefits of community wide education and garbage management." The Department will compare bear nuisance data in the test communities with data gathered from "control" communities, that is, communities that are not saturated with bear resistant garbage cans. Before and after surveys will allow DEP to evaluate the effectiveness of the cans as part of a comprehensive strategy for minimizing bear-human interactions in towns and communities throughout New Jersey. The pilot program also includes an educational component to inform West Milford residents about how to live in bear country. Important facts about black bear behavior, habitat needs and ways of avoiding conflict will be distributed to residents in town mailings. Joining the Commissioner at today's event were Councilman Joseph Elcavage, Township Administrator Richard Kunze and other Town officials. In 2003 and 2004, there were 198 bear damage and nuisance complaints reported in West Milford. To date, DEP has trained more than 600 law enforcement personnel from towns and public agencies in bear response protocol and techniques. To learn more about New Jersey's black bears, visit DEP's Web site at: www.njfishandwildlife.com. Quote Link to comment
+Team Rampant Lion Posted June 20, 2005 Author Share Posted June 20, 2005 If it was coming towards you like that, you may want to report it to the rangers. Bears that have lost their fear of humans, and bears that are openly agressive may require action on the ranger's part. This is a potentially serious issue for other hikers in the area. Upon encouragement from several of you reported this event to Wawayanda State Park via their website. Will stop into their office next week as I'm sure I'll be back to cap off Ay Caramba. Ironically, was out yesterday heading towards Briansnat's Both Ends Burning and ran into another bear there. Pretty sure it was the same one I ran into on June 4th at FEARGUS I - much cuter, better behaved. All the same, reported it to the rangers because it had absolutely no fear whatsoever of us (5 people and a dog). Even by my standards, three bear encounters in two weeks (2 in 2 days) exceeded my comfort level. With that, called it a day. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 Never, ever run from a bear, even on a bicycle. They are faster and and it may make you look like dinner and trigger their chase instinct. Quote Link to comment
+lakelady Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 I think this thread should be entitled "the continuing adventures of bear bait"!! Quote Link to comment
+cache_test_dummies Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 Never, ever run from a bear, even on a bicycle. But if you ever do encounter a bear who is riding a bicycle, please take a picture - I'd love to see that! Quote Link to comment
+BMSquared Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 Ironically, was out yesterday heading towards Briansnat's Both Ends Burning and ran into another bear there. Pretty sure it was the same one I ran into on June 4th at FEARGUS I - much cuter, better behaved. All the same, reported it to the rangers because it had absolutely no fear whatsoever of us (5 people and a dog). Even by my standards, three bear encounters in two weeks (2 in 2 days) exceeded my comfort level. With that, called it a day. You ever think about pulling the rancid meat out of your pockets? My god, they've got engines now! Quote Link to comment
+Tiffany's Slaves Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 Subject: DEP NEWS: IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 17, 2005 Contact: Karen Hershey (609) 984-1795 DEP ANNOUNCES PROGRAM TO MANAGE BEAR COMPLAINTS Town of West Milford to Receive 200K to Purchase Bear Resistant Garbage Cans (05/79) TRENTON -New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today presented West Milford Township, Passaic County with a $200,000 grant to purchase bear resistant garbage cans and help minimize bear problems throughout the state. Township officials plan to acquire the cans in the fall, a time when bear nuisance complaints in West Milford are at their highest. "One of the best ways to discourage nuisance bears is by storing garbage properly," said Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "These bear resistant cans will not only help reduce bear garbage problems in West Milford, it will also provide useful data regarding the effectiveness of using bear resistant garbage cans to keep bears in their natural habitat-away from residential neighborhoods." "These cans will help us better manage our bear problems and improve the quality of life for West Milford residents," said West Milford Township Mayor Joseph Di Donato. Cans will be distributed to every household free of charge in six West Milford neighborhoods where bear incidents have been particularly high in recent years. The remainder of the funding will go toward subsidizing the purchase of cans for the entire municipality. Residents will be able to purchase bear resistant garbage cans for a nominal fee. "Public education and responsible garbage management are among the many important tools we need to employ in the comprehensive management of our black bear population in New Jersey," said Martin Mchugh, Director of DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife. "This pilot project will help evaluate the benefits of community wide education and garbage management." The Department will compare bear nuisance data in the test communities with data gathered from "control" communities, that is, communities that are not saturated with bear resistant garbage cans. Before and after surveys will allow DEP to evaluate the effectiveness of the cans as part of a comprehensive strategy for minimizing bear-human interactions in towns and communities throughout New Jersey. The pilot program also includes an educational component to inform West Milford residents about how to live in bear country. Important facts about black bear behavior, habitat needs and ways of avoiding conflict will be distributed to residents in town mailings. Joining the Commissioner at today's event were Councilman Joseph Elcavage, Township Administrator Richard Kunze and other Town officials. In 2003 and 2004, there were 198 bear damage and nuisance complaints reported in West Milford. To date, DEP has trained more than 600 law enforcement personnel from towns and public agencies in bear response protocol and techniques. To learn more about New Jersey's black bears, visit DEP's Web site at: www.njfishandwildlife.com. Why are the bears complaining? Team Bear Bait (formerly Team Rampant Lion) has been trying very hard to entertain them. Quote Link to comment
+Rattlehead Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 We were at the Dairy Queen in West Milford a few weeks ago and there was a momma bear with two cubs tearing through the dumpster. They showed absolutely no fear of humans. The police were called and the bears were dispersed with rubber slugs and noise-making shells fired from shotguns. Quote Link to comment
+Team Rampant Lion Posted June 20, 2005 Author Share Posted June 20, 2005 (edited) Wow! It feels like I have the whole bear nation after me. Trowel32 visited the Whttingham series today and judging from her logs, it sounds like every one was destroyed. Except for "Class Cache" the rest were decon boxes and Nalgene bottles, heavy duty stuff. I guess I'll have to go back to all metal out here. Edited June 21, 2005 by Team Rampant Lion Quote Link to comment
+JMBella Posted June 21, 2005 Share Posted June 21, 2005 Never, ever run from a bear, even on a bicycle. But if you ever do encounter a bear who is riding a bicycle, please take a picture - I'd love to see that! Quote Link to comment
+Team Rampant Lion Posted June 21, 2005 Author Share Posted June 21, 2005 Never, ever run from a bear, even on a bicycle. They are faster and and it may make you look like dinner and trigger their chase instinct. I know this fact well. According to the Nature Channel, a black bear can maintain a speed of 30 mph for up to 15 minutes. In this case, in two steps I was over the crest of the hill and out of site. While still probably not the right decision (please do as I say, not as I do), I was praying for the out of sight out of mind effect and counting on the fact the bear still had a bit of a climb to get to where I was and couldn't see me high tail it. After downloading my track, I am fairly certain the encounter happened just south of where Laurel Pond Trail crosses Cherry Ridge Road. There is a large metal barrier (swing gate) at the spot I was resting when the bear came up toward me. Heads up out there. For the record, I have been out here biking frequently and often run into bears. They are usually not a problem. Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted June 21, 2005 Share Posted June 21, 2005 Dang. I haven't seen any bear-resistant garbage cans in Wawayanda! Last one I saw there almost gave me a heart attack. I almost stepped on the stupid thing! Think I almost gave him a heart attack too. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted June 21, 2005 Share Posted June 21, 2005 Wow! It feels like I have the whole bear nation after me. Trowel32 visited the Whttingham series today and judging from her logs, it sounds like every one was destroyed. Except for "Class Cache" the rest were decon boxes and Nalgene bottles, heavy duty stuff. I guess I'll have to go back to all metal out here. Must be the jelly donuts I left in them Quote Link to comment
+trowel32 Posted June 21, 2005 Share Posted June 21, 2005 Where did you see the bear? There was one hibernating under a rock ledge by Stage 2 when we were there in the winter. Actually it wasn't quite asleep, it did turn its snout and look at us. We decided to finish the cache some other time. I still have to get back there. If it was near Stage 2 maybe it is a mama with some cubs stashed nearby in one of the crevices. Quote Link to comment
+Team Rampant Lion Posted June 21, 2005 Author Share Posted June 21, 2005 Where did you see the bear? There was one hibernating under a rock ledge by Stage 2 when we were there in the winter. Actually it wasn't quite asleep, it did turn its snout and look at us. We decided to finish the cache some other time. I still have to get back there. If it was near Stage 2 maybe it is a mama with some cubs stashed nearby in one of the crevices. It was just past Stage 3. Continuing up that trail, I turned right onto what I believe was Cherry Ridge Road and continued to the top. The bear came onto the road from the other direction (opposite from the cache location). Being that this location was only 0.5 - 0.6 miles from Stage 2, it could certainly be the same one. I think I recall hearing that black bears tend stay within a 7 square mile range. But there are a lot of bears in this park. Quote Link to comment
+macatac1961 Posted June 21, 2005 Share Posted June 21, 2005 If you didn't run from that bear and he just kept coming at you, what next? Play dead and hope he goes away? I keep hearing, never run from a bear. But you're here to write about it now because you did. What do you think would have been the outcome if you stood still and just let that scary situation play itself out? Quote Link to comment
+Team Rampant Lion Posted June 21, 2005 Author Share Posted June 21, 2005 What do you think would have been the outcome if you stood still and just let that scary situation play itself out? I had a really, really BAD feeling about just that thought at the time. Judging from the bear's body language and demeanor, I definitely felt there would have been contact. I guess I could have (and maybe should have) used the bear mace I carried, that might have made human contact unappealing to that bear in the future. My instinct just told me that getting out of sight and onto the bike was a better option. Right or wrong, I'm happy to say I'm not bear flatulence today. Quote Link to comment
+klizich Posted June 22, 2005 Share Posted June 22, 2005 Oh come on, just "Grin and 'Bear' it!" Quote Link to comment
magellan315 Posted June 22, 2005 Share Posted June 22, 2005 (edited) Next time don't eat the bear's porridge or sleep in their beds, even if they are "just right" and they won't be so upset. Edited June 22, 2005 by magellan315 Quote Link to comment
+Tiffany's Slaves Posted June 22, 2005 Share Posted June 22, 2005 It is always the Human's fault. If bears are approaching humans in the woods then the humans need to stop intruding. If a bear attacks a dog tied up in a yard, it is the fault of the careless human who should keep the dog indoors. Signed The rabid Anti Bear-Hunting groups Quote Link to comment
+Straatmaker 5 Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 (edited) Another bear encounter this week. The full story, which is entertaining, is here "Ay Caramba" log. Well, it's as least as entertaining as a DNF can be. This encounter was a little unnerving as the bear was unrelentless in coming toward me. The picture stinks because I was starting to realize I might have a real encounter here and my hand was shaking. He was walking when I first saw him and as he (or she) started to approach I wanted to make sure he saw me while far enough away to turn. When I yelled, he appeared to actually pick up the pace. I blew my whistle and he appeared to break into a jog toward me. I grabbed my open pack, threw it over one shoulder, jumped on my bike and headed the other way (FAST). I didn't like that one. Are sure it was a bear? After reading Stayfloppy's log in Brady Road Bushwack it could have been him ! Edited June 23, 2005 by Straatmaker 5 Quote Link to comment
+Team Rampant Lion Posted June 26, 2005 Author Share Posted June 26, 2005 Yet ANOTHER Bear encounter?? NO - It was just too friggin hot for Bailey and I this weekend. So we stayed indoors to work on some new caches to place. Even though I wasn't in the woods, I did run into this bear. Had to refinish him as the termites and carpenter ants have just about made mincemeat out of him. Quote Link to comment
+klizich Posted June 26, 2005 Share Posted June 26, 2005 ...neat finishing job...did you take it down to "bear" wood???? Quote Link to comment
+BMSquared Posted June 27, 2005 Share Posted June 27, 2005 ...neat finishing job...did you take it down to "bear" wood???? Ugh, that was so bad I am forced to report you to the proper authorities. "People who make puns are like wanton boys that put coppers on the railroad tracks. They amuse themselves and other children, but their little trick may upset a freight train of conversation for the sake of a battered witticism." -- Oliver Wendell Holmes Quote Link to comment
+The Frantic Cachers Posted June 27, 2005 Share Posted June 27, 2005 There is one just like it on Rt 208 in Bergen County. We always drive pass it on our way to and from hiking and my wife always comments on how its the only bear we encounter. Quote Link to comment
+klizich Posted July 23, 2005 Share Posted July 23, 2005 After returning from vacation I opted to visit the state park and had an "encounter". What I saw was both strange and informative, having provided an answer to one of life's major mysteries. I am wondering if this bear was the same you encountered...sure would explain his hurry and why he wasn't "concerned" with you on the trail. Quote Link to comment
avroair Posted July 23, 2005 Share Posted July 23, 2005 ...neat finishing job...did you take it down to "bear" wood???? Ugh, that was so bad I am forced to report you to the proper authorities. "People who make puns are like wanton boys that put coppers on the railroad tracks. They amuse themselves and other children, but their little trick may upset a freight train of conversation for the sake of a battered witticism." -- Oliver Wendell Holmes Yeah but you get a cool smashed penny out of it! Quote Link to comment
+A.T.Hiker Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 Does anyone carry bear mace? I saw it the other day in the sporting good store for 40 bucks a can and it also looked bulky to be lugging around the woods. But, it might be worth it. TRL it seems you sure do have the encounters (snakes, bears, the unexplained...) I have not yet seen any bears while caching this year, but have happened upon two destroyed caches. How about airhorns? Quote Link to comment
magellan315 Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 A geocacher in my area who hunts and hikes in back country areas has had a bear and moose encounter and reccomends air horns. Quote Link to comment
+klizich Posted July 26, 2005 Share Posted July 26, 2005 Noise is probably a better choice...the canned air horn will make quite a bit. Further, it is able to be administered from a further (safer) distance. NJ law restricts the size of "bear mace" (10% pepper spray is by definition for bears, 5% for dogs - both covered by NJ statutes) that civilians may carry, I would have to research further but I believe the amount covered is something in the area of 1/10 of an ounce (the law is definitely under 1 oz!). The can you describe and the price make me think it may be a problem. The other unfortunate circumstance is having to be in relatively close proximity to apply (usually 15' or less, some claim up to 30'). Remembering how quickly bears can move, mixed with an adrenaline rush making one nervous and jerky, and, environmental concerns (wind) leaves a lot to be desired. If you haven't been pepper sprayed, be thankful. I had to do it twice for instructor certification and recertification...one part of the job I will not miss doing again. Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 And today, Andy Bear and I were in Mahlon Dickinson Reservation, searching for Mahon Dickerson Pavillion Cache, when we met Andy's cousin Samantha. She was unable to provide us with any clus. Oh, well. Quote Link to comment
+JohnnyRotten Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 When geocaching in wooded areas that are known to be inhabited by bears, 1) NEVER walk softly. Bears have much better hearing than us. You may even want to try wearing a bear bell. It doesn't make hardly any noise, but apparently bears can hear it at a great distance. Chances are you may never encounter a bear if you wear it. 2) If you do encounter a bear, DON'T RUN AND DON'T CLIMB A TREE. Bears can run faster and are much better climbers than us. If you encounter a bear, either stand your ground or back away slowly. 3) Try desperately to NEVER get between a momma bear and her cubs. If you see cubs, move away from them as fast as you can without running. 4) If you are going to hike in the woods, don't eat anything before you go or bring a snack that will give a bear the impression that you might be good to eat. For an example of what NOT to do, DON'T smear yourself with peanutbutter and honey and then fill your pockets with sardines. 5) As an add-on to #1, Don't walk softly in the woods and forget the big stick, carry a large sidearm. You can use it to scare off the bear if he charges at you. If that doesn't work, DON'T try and shoot him, as most handgun rounds WILL NOT penetrate a bears hide. If a bear gets that close to you and it 's obvious that he is going to do you harm, I would try shoving the handgun into his mouth and empty the magazine down his throat. It may only give him heartburn, but at least you will die fighting. Also, prayer might be a good thing right about now. Quote Link to comment
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