SEKI Bear Sighting/Encounter Frequency
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 6:51 am
Hi all,
I am planning on doing a day hike up the Alta Peak Trail in SEKI in a few weekends. I have done some hiking in black bear territory (Cascades), but never in the Sierras since I just moved into the area. I have done a lot of searching on this forum and the internet about the frequency of bear sightings in the Sierras, but I haven't found a very good answer. So my question is, if a solo hiker is alert and actively taking precautions to avoid an encounter, how often will the hiker spot or run into a bear on the trail? Or, for those who have done extensive hiking in SEKI and the Sierras, how often do you usually see a bear? I don't know if the time of day makes a huge difference, but I am planning on hiking from roughly 7 AM to mid afternoon.
I have a hunch that sightings/encounters are not too frequent, but I am preparing as if I will run into a bear regardless, just to be safe. However, I would like to be an informed hiker and know how likely that actually is.
Also, I have been reading a lot about the problem bears in the Sierra NP's. Does that sort of behavior bleed past the campsites and parking lots into the backcountry as well, or are the bears you would run into on the trail more apprehensive and skittish around humans?
Thanks,
Paul
I am planning on doing a day hike up the Alta Peak Trail in SEKI in a few weekends. I have done some hiking in black bear territory (Cascades), but never in the Sierras since I just moved into the area. I have done a lot of searching on this forum and the internet about the frequency of bear sightings in the Sierras, but I haven't found a very good answer. So my question is, if a solo hiker is alert and actively taking precautions to avoid an encounter, how often will the hiker spot or run into a bear on the trail? Or, for those who have done extensive hiking in SEKI and the Sierras, how often do you usually see a bear? I don't know if the time of day makes a huge difference, but I am planning on hiking from roughly 7 AM to mid afternoon.
I have a hunch that sightings/encounters are not too frequent, but I am preparing as if I will run into a bear regardless, just to be safe. However, I would like to be an informed hiker and know how likely that actually is.
Also, I have been reading a lot about the problem bears in the Sierra NP's. Does that sort of behavior bleed past the campsites and parking lots into the backcountry as well, or are the bears you would run into on the trail more apprehensive and skittish around humans?
Thanks,
Paul