Bear activity report, Lake Two & Three, September 24, 2013

From September. 16 through today, the USFS has received some bear reports from Lakes Two and Three. They are not sure whether it is one bear or two. The activity has been from one of the campsites on the southern shore of Lake Two, to the western most campsite on the south shore of Lake Three, back to Lake Two at the site closest to the portage into Rifle lake. The bear is persistent and was successful in getting hold of food on at least one site.

Bear awareness*:

• Keep a clean campsite. Never eat or store food in your tent
• Take all 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 bear overcome their fear of humans and approach campsites looking for food. This includes islands sites since bears are good swimmers.
• If you do encounter a bear, most will be scared off if you make noise (shout, bang pots, or throw fist sized rocks at the bear, etc.).
• A very persistent bear may be discouraged by spraying pepper spray into its eyes.

 * USFS "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Trip Planning Guide

Bear Visit, August 2013

One of our guests Donn R. provided this YouTube video of a black bear encounter on Lincoln Island, on Basswood Lake in the BWCA. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-7DyPxydX0

Thanks Donn, we will be sending you a Spirit of the Wilderness t-shirt for your contribution.

Get a t-shirt
Email Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters your photos/video and BWCA story to info@elycanoetrips.com. If we publish it on our blog we will send you a Spirit of the Wilderness t-shirt as a thank you.  Be sure to include your mailing address and shirt size.

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