Boundary Waters Bear Watch Update 07 19 2011

  

Well, no "official" word on bear sightings in the BWCAW but some of our customers have kept us updated as they travel the wilderness by canoe.  They were kind enough to share where they (and apparently others) have seen bears on trail.

Drew

Thanks once again to the crew at Piragis.  Everything went well as usual.

Wanted to let you know we had a bear in camp 2 mornings while we were on Malberg.  The next camp down had issues as well the bear had been in that camp site at least 5 times (per the note that was left).  Thought someone might want a heads up!

Steve Banet

Drew:  

We picked up permit from you last Monday 7/11 -- just FYI, we camped one night at the Eastern most campsite ON the Horse portage,  just below the 3rd drop (?) of upper Basswood Falls.  We had a bear visit us twice; once in evening, and clearly this wasn't her first campsite tour!  We shagged her away, but she was in no hurry to leave, and paused to investigate tent and canoe on way out.  Then in the a.m. she returned, and we shagged her away again - however - she was a bit more assertive.  Needless to say, we skipped breakfast and headed west!

Also, I'm sure you know by now, there are signs up at West end of Wheelbarrow portage indicating "No camping:  aggressive bear in area".  I thought this might be helpful for folks to know.

Happy summer!
 
Jenny & Beth from Grand Rapids, MN