The Grizzly Bear. Powerful. Dangerous. Magnificent. Not to Be Taken Lightly

The unpredictable Grizzly Bear is a resident of the mountains and valleys of the Whistler Corridor. These great wild animals are true survivors.

The population is quite scarce but that doesnâ t mean you will never expedient up with one. The sphere around Birkenhead and the Lillooet rivers are home to a few.

Irma and I have never met up with a grizzly. We would have liked to see one nevertheless at a correct far-reaching distance please. Most of us have seen them on TV when they are shown fishing at the many waterfalls in Alaska. Thatâ s all and good but when food is sporadic or you are in the vicinity of a original kill, or worse still, a cow with cubs is nearby, you may be in grave danger.

A few years ago, Irma and I had an big break to talk the Sheep Mountain area in the Kluane Governmental Field in Canadaâ s Yukon Territory. We visited the Guest Centre there and confident to hike up to the top of the pile the next day.

The kind peeress there advised us to be careful to make portion of noise on an field of the ten hour hike because a female with cubs was seen a few times in that area.

During July in that environment the daylight is prevalent for approximately 21 of the 24 hours in a day. We had complication sleeping in our tent as it was so bright. We locate off on our hike early in the forenoon from the parking lot on the Slims River. The inceptive part of the hike took us along a roadway at the side of the river, then along the highway for a mile or so where we begin the plan head.

The hike was quite steep with manifold switchbacks. The elevation earnings was about 3,500 feet. All the way up the trail the ground was torn up by Grizzly bears as they searched for ground squirrels.

Here was check of the energy and determination of these magnificent creatures. Some of the holes were three feet deep and seven feet wide. Mounds of earth were everywhere. Itâ s amazing the work they will do in their attempts to find a mini inconsiderable animal.

We arrived at the summit of Sheep Height and sat down to have our lunch. Dall Sheep were everywhere. We counted over 100 animals. The males with their curling horns were in a batch while the countless females and their kids were separated and scattered.

The Kluane lake itself was beautiful with vast white fluffy clouds reflected from the emerald green waters. In every direction were snow capped eminence tops. Road off in the distance up the Slims river valley we could study the amazing Kaskawulsh Glacier. From 22 km away it was yet a charming sight.

We spent the afternoon winding our way down to the valley to the west passing creeks with breathtaking displays of lush flowers. We entered the canyon where the Grizzly with cubs was living and used our cooking pots and spoons to produce as much clamor as possible.

With warning, Grizzlies will assent the area. Suprise them and you testament be treated quite differently.

We didnâ t observe the bears but we did discern plenty of tracks along the old roadway we had found. We found our action back to our vehicle, tired but thrilled with the memories of a great adventure. One of the choicest 10 period hikes ever. If you ever get the opportunity to bring about this one.

By the way, the Kaskawulsh Glacier hike is one that leads up along the Slims River for 22 km from the Visitor center. Itâ s a cohesive one as you will committal to cross solidify cold creeks and carry a bear safe container (available at the center). You cannot animation without one.

The Grizzly Bear can be identified chiefly by the hump behind the shoulders. They are usually brown in colour as opposed to murky for the nigrescent bear. Other colors may be, pale to dark black, fawn and reddish color.

WHAT TO Close IF YOU MEET ONE

Whether you reconciled a grizzly or any other fierce animal DONâ T RUN. Thatâ s the last thing you should do. Running triggers the pursuit in a wild animal.

Provided the bear has not charged, back off very slowly but amass facing the animal. Be careful not to trip while creeping backward. Any sudden movement may trigger a charge. Amplitude will be to your advantage. I repeat Cause NOT RUN. Slowly get out if the territory.

If the bear attacks, get on the ground in a fetal position and get your tendency protected with your arms. If you predispose a chance, get your thumbs or fingers into its eyes. Eyes are the most vulnerable areas on the body. Gouge them outside if you can. It will be you against a wild beast. Itâ s do or die time. It is not the time to be gentle.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS WHILE IN BEAR COUNTRY.

All bears delight food. Itâ s up to you to control them from it. In the Kluane Grassland they have cuisine carriers for hikers to move their diet in bear proof containers. They were made of hefty PVC. The one pictured here is from a gathering who makes bear proof food containers.

Even though your food in kept in this container itâ s all the more a worthy idea to not keep it in the tent. Sling it between two trees as described here on our page on black bears.

Of course your chances of call up with a grizzly are slim. If you are alert, cautious and use a noisemaker while travelling on foot in the thick brush area you will probably live to effect so for various years to come.

Joe and Irma Mac Millan are owners of http://www.whistler-outdoors.com . Well-adjusted they chalk up spent multifold years enjoying every nook and cranny of this British Columbia paradise. Now married for 50 years they bring to you their unique perspective on visiting, aware and enchanting part in the diverse opportunities awaiting those who come. Joe's new book "Your marriage. Keeping it Going Till Downfall Engage in You Part" is based upon the premise that a spouse must truly adulation and obeisance his wife in a great multifarious ways. Only then will the wedding last. Joe says "It's worked for Irma and I. It should functioning for everyone." The textbook is FREE when you subscribe to the monthly Whistler-Outdoors Newsletter. Get yours now.

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