Bear encounter on Seg 15

imported
#1

I have hiked the CT four previous times over 13 years for 4 days each and never encountered a bear. This time, on Seg 15 Mile 0.8 at Foose’s Lake, I was awakened about midnight to the sound of a big footstep. Then something brushed against my tent. I yelled and then heard nothing. I got out of my tent w/ my headlamp and saw nothing. My backpack w/ rain cover were hanging on a tree a few steps from my tent (NO FOOD in the tent or pack; it was all hanging in a bag from high in a tree, far away). The next morning I found big claw marks on the cover and a 2-inch rip in the cover and the pack itself. So be alert. This particular location was just off a road and near a fire ring where it appears people come a lot (and probably drop food). I was lucky - non-agressive bear, just looking around for food. Be alert!

Bart H

#2

Along the CT, and elsewhere in Colorado I suspect, reports of bears snooping backpacker food seem to be on the increase. I’ve heard of several CT hikers that lost food to bear(s). I carry an Ursack and hang it carefully. Above timberline where I can’t hang the food, I value having the Ursack because it thwarts the smaller critters like marmots.

On Track

#3

We had a bear (big bear!) run through camp at Jefferson Creek several weeks ago. I have also seen several bears on the CT over the years in the Animas by the railroad tracks (twice!), near Molas Lake, and by Camp Hale. Be prepared! Ron

San Juan Ron

#4

By the way, this was the night of Aug 7. For anybody planning to camp at this location, I suggest hanging your entire pack in a tree.

Bart H

#5

Here is a link to an article in the Colorado Springs Gazette
http://outtherecolorado.com/humans-not-bears-to-blame-for-dangerous-encounters-in-colorado/article/1536822#x3FzL8l4gYiIOtvd.99

It appears that other campers at Fooses Lake weren’t careful with their food storage attracting bears to this camp site.

When hiking solo, I tend to cook and eat my meals around 4-5 pm, then hike until sunset to avoid eating in camp.

Gummi Bear