Bear spotting???

[hillman1]

I've heard there are a bunch of bears roaming around the general area of old forge right now...that being said, my better half really wants to see a bear in the wild(or not so wild). Anybody have a suggestion where I can possibly guarrantee a bear sighting? Old forge campground( the old koa) says there is quite a few roaming around in there. Any ideas?

[Limekiln]

KOA would probably be your best bet. If you check the dumpsters behind restaurants around midnite you will see bears. Whether these bears are in the wild or not is debatable.

[whitefoot]

Definatally Old Forge KOA, there always there during camping season, if there are people with food around they will be there.

[ADK Tank]

If you go to the Old Forge KOA you have a real good chance at seeing bears up close and personal. I was there this past August and had numerous bears in the campsite every night and they had very little fear of people, mainly because of people feeding them to get pictures. The worst part is most people just don't care or don't get what they are doing to the bears. Two different bears had ear tags so they had obviously been trapped once and possibly relocated and were still nuisance bears that could be shot by DEC if they become any more aggressive.

[eddogg12]

I remember going to KOA when I was younger over the summer with my parents car camping. Bears were certainly no rare sighting. They were all over the place. I remember riding my bike past a dumpster around dusk going back to the campsite and one of the bears was getting alittle snack. like 5 feet away.

[Roy Wires]

I spent a week in the Old Forge Camping Resort (old KOA) in September, and when I checked in they said there were 5 bears that made regular trips through the campground. It seems like we were always in the wrong spot at the wrong time to see one. We did see a nice 6 point buck walking through the Enchanted Forest parking lot through. He kind of looked out of place.

[sp_nyp]

I few years ago we saw a doe inside the EF facility. It was standing in the middle of the Kilimanjaro water slide (at the bottom obviously).

That was an interesting site.

[1894]

If you go to the Old Forge KOA you have a real good chance at seeing bears up close and personal. I was there this past August and had numerous bears in the campsite every night and they had very little fear of people, mainly because of people feeding them to get pictures. The worst part is most people just don't care or don't get what they are doing to the bears. Two different bears had ear tags so they had obviously been trapped once and possibly relocated and were still nuisance bears that could be shot by DEC if they become any more aggressive.

I hate hearing about fools feeding bears

[redhawk]

I hate hearing about fools feeding bears

It's better then hearing about bears feeding fools!!

[Grayelve]

Last night on the news here in Western NY a young scout got attacked in the PA Alleganey Region, Played dead after the onset of the attack. He appeared to have some bites (punctures) and scratches. The scout leader managed to chase off the black bear. He wasn't even feeding the bear ... think about it.

[gulo]

I've heard there are a bunch of bears roaming around the general area of old forge right now...that being said, my better half really wants to see a bear in the wild(or not so wild). Anybody have a suggestion where I can possibly guarrantee a bear sighting? Old forge campground( the old koa) says there is quite a few roaming around in there. Any ideas?

Sussex County, in northern NJ. They're a dime-a-dozen. One of the densest populations in North America.

[Rock]

Here is some good info on Black Bears in the ADK's

http://www.wcs.org/international/northamerica/Adirondacks/adirondackbbear/adirondackbbearencounters

[Growly Bear]

Thank you for the link, Rock. I read it and feel obliged to make some corrections and clarifications to the site's content.


1. If a bear does not run from you immediately, it may be temporarily distracted, unaware of your presence or unable to identify you. Stand where you are or back away slowly. Speaking to the bear in a calm voice and waving your arms may help it identify you.

It's unnecessary to wave your arms. If you see me in the woods, simply announce yourself as a member of the ADK Forum, and I will know who you are.


2. Never run from a bear and don’t try to climb a tree to escape! Bears may have a tendency to chase you when they would not otherwise and they climb trees very quickly and much better than you. Both situations will put you at a disadvantage.

If we start chasing you, it's because we're playful by nature and think you want to play "tag" with us.


3. Black bears are generally timid and shouting or clapping will generally be enough to deter an approach.

If I hear you clapping, I will take a bow. It's nice to be famous!


4. If a bear approaches you, your tent, or your camping area, make noise to alert it to your presence and encourage it to leave.

Yes. Tell the bear that you were there first. We're fairly reasonable, you know.


5. Do not throw a pack or any food to a bear as a distraction. This will only encourage a bear to approach other people for food or packs.

I agree. Nobody likes to eat food off the dirty ground. Put in on a paper plate and hand it to us.


6. If a bear does get into your food do not attempt to drive it away. Bears can aggressively defend their food sources. Back away, warn others in the area and report the incident to a ranger as soon as possible.

Please do not warn others in the area. What usually happens is, they all come running over to take pictures of us while we're eating, and it's very rude.


Hope I was able to clarify a few things. Oh, and for the homeowner who left a plate of fruit for me in his driveway...

[chairrock]

yellow is way to hard to read

[Hitched Hiker]

Bear Banger

Anyone ever use a Bear Banger? I'm listening to a book on CD called Wild Fire. It's based in the ADK- kind of neat, and they talk about Bear Bangers. It is supposed to make a loud sound and is discharged out of something like a pen light. ( I think), Anyone heard of or used these?
Growley- have u heard one?