There are two kinds of California bears, those that are hunted and those
that aren't.  Those in Yosemite, and this drought year those in
populated areas of the Sierra, will eat your food.  One woman in South
Tahoe reported a bear tapped her on the side while she was emptying
garbage into her garbage can - a very polite bear.  If a campground has
bear boxes, use them.  Bears have been known to break into cars based on
food in coolers.  Yosemite keeps a running count of the damage done by
bears to cars each year - it's hundreds of thousands of dollars.

You will have nocturnal visitors, bears and raccoons.  But most bears
are hunted and afraid of humans.  There is a small minority that will
not fear you.  Throw rocks at them and make loud noises - bang big
spoons on metal pots and yell.  Shine your million candlepower
flashlight in their eyes and whoop.  This usually works.

It's all part of the experience after all - enjoy your contact with
nature!!!  It's their world...

Jeff Olson
Martin, SD

> Anyone have any estimate of what's "safe" versus what's "paranoid"?
> I'd really like to go happily back up into bear country (California's
> Sierras ... among the most glorious parts of this earth that I've ever
> seen!!! :-D)
>
>
> (Just becuz yer paranoid duzn't mean they're not out to get ya!!!)
>
>