There was another death from a bear a week ago in Wyoming, and then another attack occured just a few miles from where I was staying in Dubois. Links: http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/u...HNEmKjEgmyYgXvg and http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/22/us-usa-grizzly-wyoming-idUSKCN0HH2R520140922

This is the time of the year bears are really trying to put on weight for the winter, and some have cubs, so situational awareness is a must. Stay in open spaces with a good line of sight and avoid brush or wooded areas. It goes without saying to not have food on your person. Everyone in my group carried bear spray and there were at least two people carrying firearms. Word had it from the locals that bear spray was considered generally more effective, and that firearms were more of a heavy-duty backup.

Bears are amazing animals, but we have to remember that without our smarts, they are much higher on the food chain than we are.


--M