Bear-Proof Canisters Strongly Recommended on Nantahala Ranger District

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This applies to National Forest lands in and adjacent to bear sanctuaries, which includes Standing Indian Basin, Wayah Bald to Tellico Gap, and Panthertown. “At this time of year before trees have produced a mast crop and as berries dry up, bears quickly learn that a good food source is campsites where people have not properly stored their food or trash. So we are recommending no overnight camping without bear-proof containers in the backcountry,” said District Ranger Mike Wilkins. “This will help reduce bear encounters until acorns and other nuts appear in the fall.”
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Backcountry campers should store all food and scented items like toothpaste in commercially-made canisters manufactured for the specific purpose of resisting entry by bears. Keep stored food well away from camping and cooking areas. Before sleeping, make sure you have not inadvertently left anything edible or sweet smelling like personal hygiene items near your campsite.
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Visitors are encouraged to prevent bear interactions by practicing these additional safety tips:
- Never leave food unattended
- Never store food or other scented items like lotions and toothpaste in tents
- Immediately clean up food or trash around fire rings, grills, and other areas of your campsite
For more tips, visit http://go.usa.gov/czWbW or go to www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc and click on “Learn about Bear Safety.”
Related:
Black Bear Activity Report for Panthertown (August 2017)
Forest Service issues Warning about Black Bears in Panthertown (April 17, 2017)