Following in the footsteps of bears

Nothing can reconnect an urban soul to its ecological origins and responsibilities like an encounter with a large forest mammal in its natural environment. Be it deer grazing in a dawn-lit field, a fox dashing through a clearing, or a coyote vanishing into the cover of trees in the early morning hours, the sight of these animals brings something unnameable and precious to the forefront of human consciousness. However, few wilderness experiences compare to the spiritual exhalation and sense of connection that comes with a non-intrusive encounter with an American Black Bear in the north Georgia mountains.

From the mountains to the swamps, Ursus Americanus can be found in various numbers and locations throughout Georgia. Males can weigh as much as 500lbs, and females are just a bit smaller. They are solitary creatures and tend to flee if they sense human presence, unless they have been exposed to human carelessness. In other words, they prefer to avoid you unless they have been fed by other people and/or have found easy food sources in areas where humans camp or live. Bears should never be approached, but distant observation, or chance close encounters in the forest can help one understand the importance and value of maintaining the ecological integrity of wilderness areas.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, Georgia has over 2000 Black Bears roaming its forests, mountains, and swamps. In the north Georgia mountains trail hikers, whether they know it or not, consistently pass signs of bear activity. Fallen logs, bark-stripped and gnawed, territorial tree scratchings, and even scat can be found along almost any wilderness hiking trail in these mountains. If you're lucky, you may even be given the opportunity to meet one of these magnificent animals while you're visiting the forest. If so, keep your distance and do not panic The bear wants to avoid you and has its own agenda, of which you're no part. Just watch and enjoy the brief but valuable experience. Notice how seemlessly the animal fits into its environmental niche, and allow it to go on its way. The encounter is enlightening, and many times, life-changing. The memory will remain vivid for decades.

If on the VERY slim chance the bear appears aggressive, stand your ground, make yourself as large as possible by spreading your arms, and shouting. The animal will probably run from you. If you have a pack with food in it, drop it. If after you have taken all of these steps, the bear gets too close or attacks, fight back with everything at your disposal. This type of bear is created by human negligence, but is, thankfully, rare.

In north Georgia, the locals say, if you want to see a bear in the wild try the trail from Low Gap just outside of Helen, or, on the weekdays, when trail traffic is low, on the Appalachian Trail and other connecting pathways. If you have the now-how, you can increase you chances of an encounter by some off-trail hiking with a compass and topo map. Be careful and respectful and you could have an experience unlike any other.

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