BWCA Bear report - Basswood lake area

Are you traveling the Basswood lake area soon? We received a bear encounter report from a guest staying on Lincoln Island. The bear came into their campsite but was scared away...nothing taken. This might be the same bear that has recently been visiting Washington Island. Take precautions when visiting this area.

Bear awareness 

• Keep a clean campsite. Never eat or store food in your tent
• Take precautions to discourage bears from visiting your site, including hanging your food pack or using a bear-resistant container, as well as garbage and anything that has a strong or sweet odor (soap, toothpaste etc.)
• Some bears overcome their fear of humans and approach campsites looking for food. This includes island sites since bears are good swimmers.
• If you do encounter a bear, most will be scared off if you make noice (shout, bang pots, or throw fist-sized rocks at the bear, etc).
• A very persistant bear may be discouraged by spraying pepper into its eyes
• If you visit a campsite with bear skat...do not camp there. Find another site
• If you can't tell the difference between bear skat and other feces, assume it is bear skat and move to another campsite.

Taken from USFS Boundary Waters Canoe Area Trip Planning Guide