AT: Bears and Other Critters

I have slept with my food on all my hikes with a few exceptions. Bear vaults are required in the Sierras on the PCT. I also hung my food in grizzly country on the CDT from the Tetons to the Canadian border. I used an Opsack bag for food storage on the Colorado Trail because of problem bears around crossings and campgrounds. Have had close encounters with multiple black bears and a few grizzlies but, knock on wood, no problems with food. I have been careful about food preparation, cleanup and camping wherever possible away from road crossings and campgrounds.

I understand that the Appalachian Trail does traverse more populated areas with a healthy(?) population of habituated black bears. I have seen their behavior in a few campgrounds and had one personal encounter in a cabin in Northern Colorado. OK, I guess I have had one problem with a bear and food! He came in through a window and helped himself to everything in the pantry and fridge. Mrs. Haze and I were sleeping downstairs with the grandchildren. The bear made a quick exit when confronted by Mrs. Haze and our dog early in the morning.

I will camp whenever possible away from shelters and populated areas, hanging my food in known problem areas and continue to use the Opsack bag. Mice will no doubt also be an issue to contend with. My biggest problem with mice on previous hikes has not been in the wild. It was the expensive and the very old Many Glacier Lodge in Glacier National Park.

I have had other encounters with nocturnal and salt-craving animals. Even lost a few cork handles on hiking poles. But a bang or two on the tent usually sends them away …… except for a couple of deer in the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness.

Ticks are also something I will have to especially prepare for on the AT. More so than my other hikes, except for the Great Divide Basin in Wyoming. I also have always carried a lightweight head net for the mozzies and black flies just in case.

Getting excited for another adventure!