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Keeping The Bears Wild

11/17/2013

 
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Chris and Bethany set the bear trap for our neighborhood bear. He was caught last night. As of this morning, the park bear biologist is on his way up to give the bear his "health check". I will say that in the eleven years I have been here, these "health checks" work. Once the bears are set free, they do not return. They want nothing to do with us humans. This program is a good program. I can assure you it has helped save more bear lives then you hear about. I also want to add that the lodge staff does an excellent job at educating our guests and day hikers. We try and teach people why it is important to make sure these animals remain wild and what we can do while being in the backcountry to make sure that happens. It is important for us all to do our part and leave no trace when we are exploring the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Now on to other topics. You were asking about the rest of the crew and their winter off. I know Nathan has not decided what his plans are. He is still working on figuring that out. Courtney and Beau will be traveling with us and then they are relocating to Colorado where Courtney will take over as General Managers of the Smith Fork Ranch. They are extremely excited about their future plans. Austin is planning on sticking around the Nashville area. Matt and Brad are still hammering out their winter plans. The two of them are planning on returning for season #2. Caroline has made arrangements to spend two months in Peru. She is super excited and has been researching the different animals she hopes to find. And last but not least, Bethany will be hanging out in Knoxville earning some extra cash to help with her Appalachian Trail hike that she will be starting in March. We are so happy for her and feel this is going to be an amazing life adventure for her. So, some memories will be made this winter. We are all counting the days for some well deserved r&r.


Debi
11/16/2013 11:19:20 pm

Didn't take long to catch that bear. Looking forward to tomorrow's pictures and stories about it.

JustADude
11/16/2013 11:31:45 pm

So, what do you use as bate? Sincker's Bars?

Steve
11/16/2013 11:46:33 pm

Praying for the bear. I hate to hear a bear is in danger because of the people who overtake his environment. The lodge is about to close and I would hate to think a bear lost his life because of weekend hikers who don't understand the woods and wildlife. Sad.

Angie
11/17/2013 01:06:18 am

I'm so happy that the Park service has found a way to deal with the bears other than just putting them down. AND I want to wish all of your great staff a wonderful break from the action. You all are always so accommodating to all of us hikers who love being up on Mt. Leconte!!!!

Nanette
11/17/2013 01:08:20 am

I love the bear and how dare you trap them when you are trespassing in their environment. I just pray that they are never hurt. I love the idea of the camping experience up on LeConte, but learn to coexist like happens in Cades Cove and the other camping areas.

Steve
11/17/2013 01:28:44 am

I feel the same way but didn't have the guts to say it. I would rather see the people leave.

Bill G
11/17/2013 02:04:26 am

@Steve and Nannette. What the park service is doing with the bears is called coexisting, those fine people care more about them bears than you know. However they have not forgotten who is at the top of the chain, which is man. There are areas in the U. S. that you are not allowed to go but still coexist. Rest assured they are doing the right thing.

Renee Scarborough
11/17/2013 01:48:38 am

Health Check? They pull a tooth, which reminds them not to return to that area.

Jean d
11/17/2013 02:00:45 am

Thought to comment on the attitude some people have about the mountains and bears and life in general yesterday but didn't want to sound so negative about people but it seems there are so many of them these days and decided today I'd put my 2 cents worth in.

For some reason some folks just have no respect for the rights of others be it humans, bears, elk, deer, raccoons, trees, flowers, rocks, or anything else that one's SELF might desire. As a life long camper and Girl Scout from the age of 10, I learned that as the saying goes "take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints" and footprints only in places that will not be damaged by the footprints. Respect others right to enjoy the same sights and nature sounds you enjoy. Respect nature's right of life so animals and the environment will not be damaged.

It really isn't hard to do those things. Why do some people have to be selfish?

On a more positive note still loving the pictures. Will be sorry when you crew are off the mountain for the winter. Love reading about the things you are doing and the happenings with guests.

Enjoy JP's notes too in the winter but --- well, I guess I just love spring and summer so much in this beautiful part of the world that I hate to see it end.

Hope all of you have a wonderful time on your planned adventures.

jean d
11/17/2013 12:51:53 pm

Talking about the people here who purposely or accidentally feed the animals and those who leave trash
Just so we all know not talking about the rangers and civilians et al who have and show concern for the welfare and habitat of the animals and wild places. Just sayin,.

Steve
11/17/2013 02:29:29 am

Bill G, your opinion, leave me out.

Al on the Beach in Biloxi,MS
11/17/2013 02:53:46 am

Allyson, after the bear has had his check up, how do the Rangers transport the bear out of the area? Perhaps he is air lifted to another area?

Kent
11/17/2013 04:46:15 am

I believe they just let them loose where they are caught. The experience is designed to be traumatic for them so they leave the area and usually don't return. It helps re-instill a healthy fear of humans.

sunshine
11/17/2013 04:04:22 am

Will JP be returning this winter? I loved reading his blog. That is also awesome news about the bears.

JP
11/18/2013 02:55:56 am

Sunshine,
I'll be back on the 26th! Looking forward to meeting the crew before they take off on Wednesday!
Best,
JP

sunshine
11/18/2013 03:57:28 am

Perfect. I'm super excited to start reading your blogs again. :-)

ric
11/17/2013 11:48:55 am

stayed at the shelter last night. had heard from others the bear was ran out of the shelter friday night by a multitude of flashlights flashings. we didnt see the bear, guess now i know why. feelings were disappointed and happy at the same time. i guess to me, seeing he bears and other wildlife is a major draw to hiking and camping in th smokies. the bears are rally great - at a distance. having had 1 at arms length and another much too close, i can say it is not a good feeling. it brings out the little girl hidden deep down inside. that being said, because of ignorance or carelessness or both, the bears and other critters learn where the easy meals are. sometime you have to get their attention for their own good. this most likely saved this bears life and personally have no issue with it and am looking forward to seein it someplace else away from the crowds and easy meals associated with the lodge nd surrounding camo sites.

FlAndy
11/17/2013 02:25:28 pm

I was in the group at the shelter Friday night who "flashed" the bear. We never felt threatened and were excited to have the opportunity to see a bear - which I think is an honor. I also understand that the longer a bear hangs around a human population then the higher the chance that an incident can occur. We are always cautious not to leave anything in the shelter to attract a bear and he was simply curious it seemed.

Rick Shepherd
11/17/2013 01:45:02 pm

I hope Bethany will share her AT Trail name so we can follow her trek when she posts on the trail log......And I think you all are doing the right thing for the bears......Thank You!

Peppermint Patti
11/18/2013 02:29:34 am

I too, wish all the crew the best of luck. And I would also like to follow Bethany's journal on the AT. Best wishes for a great journey to all.


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