One of the reasons given by the National Park Service for not allowing
dogs on trails is the interaction with wildlife, bears especially.  So,
are you folks saying that dogs are a benefit when hiking in bear
country?  I can see how they would alert one to a bear, but I can also
see how the dog and the bear could take a powerful interest in one
another.  Most dogs being smaller than most bears ........... .  Of
course, the Park Service doesn't allow dogs on trails in parks where
there are no bears, as well.

Dave MC

On Thu, Aug 27, 2009 at 8:49 PM , Don Trowbridge wrote:

> When camping out in the woods in your Vanagon Westy a whistle would
> be better than bells.  Backpackers always have a whistle along while
> in bear country.  A dog works to.  My neighbor always takes his dog
> with him while hiking in our area. (Yes, we have bears) The dogs
> name: Bear Bait!
>
> Don Trowbridge
> '89 Westy Syncro
> Oakhurst, Ca
>
>> ---- Original Message ----
>> From: mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: Ultimate Camping List;
>> Date: Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:30:00 -0600
>>
>>> "Some research has indicated that this is NOT a good thing as it
>> makes them
>>> curious and they come investigate."
>>> Mark, tell them about the rest of that research .... the part where
>> when the
>>> bears die of natural causes, they do a post mortem and what they
>> found in
>>> their stomachs was bells.
>>>
>>> bob
>>>