[pct-l] Bear question.

[Timothy Nye]

As a hiker in Northern California even back in the 70's it was common to
hear reports of wolverines in the area north of Lake Tahoe.  The reports
from the locals were always discounted by the experts.  ( No doubt with much
rolling of eyes and the thought that those crazy tree huggers were doing
hallucinogens again - see another recent thread :-)  )  Of course, there is
now photographic and physical evidence (fur samples) of a genetically
distinct population there.

Similarly, last year a separate population of the Sierra Fox was found in
the Sonora Pass area.  This was again a very big surprise.  Only a few were
thought to exist in the Lassen area.

These are two pretty major mammals found in a densely populated state. A
possible remnant population of Grizzlies in Northern Washington is discussed
in the Wilderness Press Guide.  I wouldn't be surprised if in fact there are
a few in what is remote and much more inaccessible terrain.  Certainly a
mountain lion encounter is more likely in the North Cascades based on my
experience in '03, but don't rule out brown bears.