My dad and I got into an argument on black bears. We have a cabin in the cascades and there are black bear around, granted you dont seem them as much because garbage is more secured now however that does not mean they arent present. I have seen their shit on the ground and have also seen the bark rubbed off of the tree from where they itch their back. I know black bear are not as agressive and most likely will not harm you that does not mean they will not harm you. FOr instance you could trespass on a Black Bear moms terrirtory while there are cubs around without even seeing them. The bear does not know that and may charge and or attack you. Black bear attacks are not common but when they do attack they usually fight to the death. I want to bring a rifle with me just in case (they call me paranoid, I call my self prepared). Data also suggests that there has been a history of brown bear in the area too but there have been no sightings in a long long time (at least 30 years)

I've encountered black bears in the woods and I've never really been frightened by them even when unarmed, I'd say you are in more danger from people than black bears.

The bears do get cocky about going around humans in areas where they are always getting into dumps and trash so that is a little disturbing. I think they are potentially more trouble when they have lost their fear of men and are getting a lot of their sustenance out of feeding off human trash, rather than their traditional food. They are surprisingly stealth little sob's sometimes. They can pop out with much less warning than you would think. They are not complete sissies-I have seen black bears get shot with a .308 and have to be hit several times.

Bring a gun, there is no good reason not too. Besides bears remember people are much more dangerous and out in the country the police are very often not going to show up for a LOOOOOOOONG time.

Damn, we must be slipping - it took nearly two hours for the bells in the scat joke.

[:D]