Canister helps keep bears out of backpackers' victuals

If visitors to Jellystone Park had bear-proof canisters for their picnic baskets, Yogi Bear would have had to go back to nuts and berries.

The Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is renting and selling bear canisters for back-country visitors.

Rental costs run $2.50 daily, and require an $82 deposit; canisters may also be purchased for $75 (plus tax). Although bear canisters are not required on the forest, all backpackers and stock users are strongly advised to use proper food storage methods. Bear canisters are required in Yosemite National Park and on the Inyo National Forest.

"The most effective method of food storage for backpackers is a bear-resistant canister," said Lindsay Pulliam, Visitor Information Service Specialist. "For stock users, the most effective method is bear-resistant panniers or steel drums," continued Pulliam. Bears cannot open any of these containers because they cannot gain a hold with their claws. Wildlife biologists consistently observe bears walking away when they see the canisters; the bears realize their efforts to get inside would be futile.

"Bear-resistant food canisters provide many benefits, including a greater flexibility to camp in a wide variety of environments, an increased level of safety, and the knowledge that you are helping to preserve the health and well-being of the Sierra Nevada black bears," said Pulliam.

When bears gain access to improperly stored food, they become habituated (less likely to forage for their natural food sources). When black bears lose their fear of humans, they may become more aggressive toward visitors as a strategy in obtaining human food.

In some places, where counter-balancing food has been unsuccessful and/or bear activity is very high, visitors can use containers designed to prevent access by bears and other forest animals. By using a bear canister, black bears can exist in a natural environment undisturbed by human influences.

To protect humans and bears, ensure food is stored properly. Cash and Master Charge and Visa credit card payments are accepted at the 1536 S. Carson St. office. Learn more about this release by calling the Carson Ranger District at 882-2766.