[Rob Dobbs]

I am planning an overnight backpack in the Dane Canyon area in a couple of weeks. Considering the two recent bear attacks below the Rim this week, should I reconsider this trip if the drought persists? I guess at the least I should invest in some bear spray.

Thanks for any feedback or bear news from the top of the Rim.

Robert

[arizonadreaming]

Actually a third one as of this morning. All three within a few miles of each other. Last I heard, the forest is closed as of last week due to extreme fire danger from Payson to the Rim. Regarding the bears, its very dry, no water therefore not much growing that they eat. Yes they will be searching around more for food sources. They are hungry and agitated.....dang I think we all would be too! Of course the forest service will be out there 'hunting' to kill this/these animals because of the 'attacks'. Thats not right. People come into their territory not the other way around. -- sorry I went off there abit. -- I would check to see if the area you mentioned is open then proceed with caution. Knowledge is power.

[chumley]

I personally wouldn't worry about it. But that's just me. I spend a lot of time up on the rim every year, and I've never personally encountered a bear, though I have certainly seen evidence of their living there (footprints, scat, markings).

Dane Canyon is a beautiful area, and there's ample water in it, despite the overall dryness of the forest right now. While you may encounter wildlife at any time when recreating outdoors in Arizona, big animals such as bear, mountain lion, and even elk and deer, typically do their very best to avoid people. Even if you were to encounter something, if you take a few precautions, (especially regarding food storage) you should be just fine.

Like I said, that's just my opinion. If you're unsure or uncomfortable about it yourself, do what feels right to you.

[imike]

Animals tend to respond to folks relative to the attitude they sense... I like wild animal encounters... have them all the time... but, I'm not afraid nor tense. If you are worried, then your encounter might not turn out so nice... this is a difficult issue to address... there is no simple, one answer fits all.

[Espi]

I kinda think you are foolish for canceling or re thinking your outdoor adventure because of this.

Be responsible with your food and your waste. IMO a campground is the last place I would stay if I was concerned.

[Tough_Boots]

I was in Dane Canyon and Barbershop Canyon a month ago. Lots of elk evidence but I didn't see any bear scat. If you're worried-- carry a sidearm. The noise will scare them off well before you ever actually need to defend. I wouldn't cancel nothin'! Just hang your food away from camp.

[Rob Dobbs]

Thanks all for your input. On thinking and reading more about it this sounds like a black bear who go too accustomed to the campgrounds and people - a very different situation than the remote stretches on top of the Rim. I've always taken proper precautions with food and I've never had any issues with bears or other wildlife (except once with some very ornery crows), so I should be good to go. I don't have enough practice with my wife's Glock to feel comfortable packing it, but some pepper spray will certainly lend peace of mind.

[Jim_H]

I'm more concerned with bands on the run.

[chumley]

Just in case somebody is searching this topic in the future ... there's more information on the specific bear attacks in another thread here: viewtopic.php?f=71&t=7010

[base871]

S&W 500 Magnum. Just be sure to hold it with BOTH hands!