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Pest Control

Original Post
Jeff Thilking · · Lynchburg, VA · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 65

In light of recent events (Bee tragedy), I began to think about other factors than can end a trip abruptly. Not much can be done about snakes or spiders in the rock, but here in TN/NC we have bears too. I've been dealing with these for a long time, keeping anything with a scent sealed up(food, deodorant, kush, etc). My question to you guys is: has anyone had a positive experience with the bear spray or is it just an overpriced, occasionally discounted on STP, useless piece of gear that is only going to take up space and waste money?

joshf · · missoula, mt · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 790

Bear spray is all the forest service uses, except in Alaska where some employees are required to do a shotgun training. I worked in western Montana for four years and, in certain areas, carried bear spray all the time. That being said, I only carried it while working, and never bothered with it on personal time in the back country...I saw dozens of bears and it never seemed like an issue. Bear spray does work (better than guns), requires less high pressure functionality than a revolver (you have to shoot them in the head), and does not weigh that much. If your in areas of the front country with lots of trash/people/bears, I would recommend it. Of course, it goes without saying that using common sense, keeping your food/smelly stuff stored right,etc will work much better than depending on the spray...only use if for the rare event of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

csproul · · Pittsboro...sort of, NC · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 330

Unlike Yosemite bears, bears in NC, for the most part, are still afraid of people. They still shoot 'em in this neck o' the woods.

teece303 · · Highlands Ranch, CO · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 596

It's kind of bad style, but being loud does a lot to save you from a bear encounter. They even make bells specifically for bears, that you attach to your backpack.

Generally, you get in the biggest trouble when you surprise the bear.

H BL · · Colorado · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 95

Check this on Bears... Da' Bears

As far as the bugs and snakes go. I had issue once with bees in the Gunks. I think it was on Arches near the top of the 2nd pitch there were bees living in the rock.

Aaron Lefland · · Hamden, CT · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 25
Timothy.Klein wrote:They even make bells specifically for bears, that you attach to your backpack.
I always thought those were to warn you of any gumbies in the area...I guess you really do learn something new every day!
RockinOut · · NY, NY · Joined May 2010 · Points: 100

Read the LAST paragraph of the warning sign....

Bear Warning

teece303 · · Highlands Ranch, CO · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 596

Ha! That sign is hilarious.

Greg D · · Here · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 883
RockinOut wrote:Read the LAST paragraph of the warning sign....
F&%K me. Just shot coffee out my nose... in the coffee shop. People are looking at me. That was funny shit.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
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