View Full Version : Mt Collins Shelter
goody5534
02-18-2014, 14:27
Is it true that people feed bears from behind the chain-link fence? If true this is dumbest/dangerous thing I've heard about the AT Shelter system?
HikerMom58
02-18-2014, 14:38
The chain-link fences are long gone! :D No hikers ,I know,feed the bear on purpose.
illabelle
02-18-2014, 14:38
I've heard that people feeding bears are the reason why the chain link fence is no longer there.
No chain link anywhere in the Smokies that I'm aware of.
HikerMom58
02-18-2014, 14:40
There might still be a fence on Davenport Gap shelter... I can't remember.
Slo-go'en
02-18-2014, 14:42
I've heard that people feeding bears are the reason why the chain link fence is no longer there.
No chain link anywhere in the Smokies that I'm aware of.
The Davenport gap shelter still has a fence, It's the only one left which does. Not sure it needs it, but I did latch the gate when I was there last spring...
No the do not feed the bears behind the fence they feed the bears in the traps! Last 2 times I was there they had a big old bear trap next to the shelter.
HikerMom58
02-18-2014, 21:08
The Davenport gap shelter still has a fence, It's the only one left which does. Not sure it needs it, but I did latch the gate when I was there last spring...
OKay... good to know. I thought there was a gate but I couldn't remember.
When we walked by that shelter, it had all kinds of warning posters up about a bear hanging around there. You weren't supposed to cook any food. NO cooking signs up everywhere! What.. the what!
I never hiked so fast in my life. We knocked out Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap, in short order. Spent 1 night at Tri-Corner Knob then, we were outta there. I loved that section, tho! :)
Lone Wolf
02-18-2014, 21:17
Is it true that people feed bears from behind the chain-link fence? If true this is dumbest/dangerous thing I've heard about the AT Shelter system?
people were doin' that in the 80s and 90s when i was hikin'. true
Sounds like a good way to win a Darwin Award.
HooKooDooKu
02-18-2014, 22:05
Sounds like a good way to win a Darwin Award.
...for those willing to feed the bears while they stand on the OUT side of the fence.
What happens when the friendly bear fed through the fence approaches hikers leaving the shelter seeking seconds?
Prime Time
02-19-2014, 00:20
The spectacle of hikers inside the shelter feeding the bears outside of it would have looked like a reverse zoo.
HikerMom58
02-19-2014, 07:27
What happens when the friendly bear fed through the fence approaches hikers leaving the shelter seeking seconds?
You know what happens to bear that loose their fear of people and/or associate them with food......
The spectacle of hikers inside the shelter feeding the bears outside of it would have looked like a reverse zoo.
I can't imagine that scene but yeah!