Lions n Tigers n Bears, oh my!
(not my photo)
Sure do look cute, don't they.
Bear attacks are a rarity but, still, be on the look-out, especially if you're cycling or hiking across-Canada.
The North American average for bear attacks is only 2 per year - Canada and the USA combined.
One couple was attacked walking past a bear that was feeding on a carcass, and protective of it, as well. The bear was in deep undergrowth so they didn't see it before the rush of attack.
Another young man was attacked last year while cycling in the rockies with earphones on. It's best to leave your music at home when in the wilderness. You'll experience so much more when you do.
Even here in Prince Edward County, I found bear tracks last spring in 2 different places on the Millenium Trail where its heavy body had sunk deep into the damp loamy area of a swamp. Days later, miles away, someone got a picture of it. It was huge.
Don't let the fear of the wild deter you, though. Animals generally respect humans, even if humans don't always respect their own species.
My daughter, Veronica, says attacks happen most often in national and provincial parks where people have fed them or left out food by accident.
Bear bangers, and bear spray (mace) can be purchased.
Tassles on your handle bars and a flag on a flexible pole on the back of your bike will help. They confuse bears/cougars.
Also, let there be NO smell of food coming from you or your backpack. You can buy dried veggie and fruit mixes, and small burners to boil your water to make a soup.
Cycle safely and enjoy the ride.
Karen
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