[pct-l] Bears vs Habituated Bears

[Brick Robbins]

Don't be scared of bears, especially the non habituated ones in areas
where they are hunted.

Be concerned about Habituated Bears, like those that live in National
Parks, or near popular camp sites (like near water sources in dry
areas) that have learned how to steal hiker food.

They are creatures of habit, so if you are camping in places that they
are used to finding food, you will have problems. They learn that
tents and backpack often have food in them. They learn what foil
Freeze Dried food pouches look like. Most have learned that they can't
open a bear canister, so they don't try anymore

If you don't want to meet bears, don't camp in popular camp sites.
Don't cook where you are going to camp. Don't wander off (like to get
water) and leave your pack un attended.

In reality, bear problems only exist in the Sierra, south of HWY 80,
and really aren't all that bad there, except in the SEKI/Yosemite
area.

Be smart, and a little unconventional, and you won't have any
problems. If you feel more comfortable, then by all means carry a bear
canister from end to end, but remember that they are only really
promoted for a very short section of your thru hike.