View Full Version : Bear attacks jeep
I was parked at Fork Ridge trailhead over the weekend for a three night trip.
When i returned to my jeep, i discovered it had been attacked by a bear:eek:. The corners of the bumpers had been chewed on and one of my tires had been bitten into causing it to go flat:mad:. I reported it at the back country office, where they took pictures of my jeep.
envirodiver
06-04-2008, 12:20
Dang, that's some bad luck.
You didn't smear your jeep with peanut butter before you left it did you?
warraghiyagey
06-04-2008, 12:21
Well, these things happen.
EAnderson
06-04-2008, 12:24
The same thing happened to me a few years ago at the Rainbow Falls trailhead. The bear chewed on my bumber, but left my tires alone. The rangers got a good laugh, and said they had never seen anything like this before. I kept the bumber as is for a souvenir.
I know they'll break out windows to get to food, but i've never heard of them just chewing on vehicles. I've parked hundreds of nights in the park and never expected this.
take-a-knee
06-04-2008, 12:50
Well, these things happen.
No, they happen where bears aren't hunted, like most maulings/attacks. Bears are quite capable of learning, just like criminals.
That's pretty nuts. I bet the folks at the insurance company are laughing their heads off.
envirodiver
06-04-2008, 12:54
Bears are quite capable of learning, just like criminals.
In some cases, I'd say they are more capable of learning.
NICKTHEGREEK
06-04-2008, 13:09
I was parked at Fork Ridge trailhead over the weekend for a three night trip.
When i returned to my jeep, i discovered it had been attacked by a bear:eek:. The corners of the bumpers had been chewed on and one of my tires had been bitten into causing it to go flat:mad:. I reported it at the back country office, where they took pictures of my jeep.
friends don't let friends eat jeeps
Toyota FJ-40's Rule
twosticks
06-04-2008, 13:19
friends don't let friends eat jeeps
Toyota FJ-40's Rule
Would that be the new FJ or the original?
If it's the new, that's laughable
if it's the old, I'll still take a cj-7 over that anytime.
No, they happen where bears aren't hunted, like most maulings/attacks. Bears are quite capable of learning, just like criminals.
oh, for pete's sake! let's just all go kill a bear, then!
take-a-knee
06-04-2008, 13:42
friends don't let friends eat jeeps
Toyota FJ-40's Rule
Now that is funny, and true.
warraghiyagey
06-04-2008, 13:53
oh, for pete's sake! let's just all go kill a bear, then!
Well said, all posts considered. ;):):)
take-a-knee
06-04-2008, 13:56
oh, for pete's sake! let's just all go kill a bear, then!
You have no understanding whatsoever of scientific wildlife management. No one suggested that we all go out and slaughter all the bears (except for one knucklehead). That would mean that large sums of taxpayer cash and more herculean effort would be required of state DNR wildlife professionals like those expended in the state of GA to reestablish the black bear into its native range. I for one, relish the thought that bears roam the woods around the GA AT again, but the fact remains the North GA bear population is at or near the lands' carrying capacity (source-DNR biologist Kent Kammermeyer), and the only way to manage them is with limited sport hunting, and it is working very well. Bear/human problems ensue nearly everywhere that both exist when the bambi/teddy huggers are placed in charge of public policy, like GSMNP.
No, they happen where bears aren't hunted, like most maulings/attacks. Bears are quite capable of learning, just like criminals.
You have no understanding whatsoever of scientific wildlife management. No one suggested that we all go out and slaughter all the bears (except for one knucklehead). That would mean that large sums of taxpayer cash and more herculean effort would be required of state DNR wildlife professionals like those expended in the state of GA to reestablish the black bear into its native range. I for one, relish the thought that bears roam the woods around the GA AT again, but the fact remains the North GA bear population is at or near the lands' carrying capacity (source-DNR biologist Kent Kammermeyer), and the only way to manage them is with limited sport hunting, and it is working very well. Bear/human problems ensue nearly everywhere that both exist when the bambi/teddy huggers are placed in charge of public policy, like GSMNP.
you have no understanding whatsoever of what I know. my boyfriend is dnr IN north georgia:eek: we talk about bears quite frequently as a matter of fact since he has to deal with problem bears on a regular basis. according to your knowledgeable self, bears learn so well from experience. could explain to me then, sir, why after being SHOT with a tranquilizer gun and waking up in A CAGE, the bears CONTINUE to be problem bears. THREE TIMES this happens before they're put down and they are CONSISTENTLY having to be put down. So you tell me: how well are these bears really learning from their experiences. Killing them is not the answer. Teaching humans correct wilderness etiquette is. As for the bumper chewing, if you park in the forest, you're in the bear's territory and you're taking your chances. sorry to the guys that got them chewed though. does kinda suck, but it makes for a good story later on.
I was parked at Fork Ridge trailhead over the weekend for a three night trip.
When i returned to my jeep, i discovered it had been attacked by a bear:eek:. The corners of the bumpers had been chewed on and one of my tires had been bitten into causing it to go flat:mad:. I reported it at the back country office, where they took pictures of my jeep.
Plastic bumper and nylon tires? no wonder man
You need steel or chrome bumpers and steel belted tires, don't leave home without them. Pretty funny just the same.:)
The Cheat
06-04-2008, 15:38
you have no understanding whatsoever of what I know. my boyfriend is dnr IN north georgia:eek: we talk about bears quite frequently as a matter of fact since he has to deal with problem bears on a regular basis. according to your knowledgeable self, bears learn so well from experience. could explain to me then, sir, why after being SHOT with a tranquilizer gun and waking up in A CAGE, the bears CONTINUE to be problem bears. THREE TIMES this happens before they're put down and they are CONSISTENTLY having to be put down. So you tell me: how well are these bears really learning from their experiences. Killing them is not the answer. Teaching humans correct wilderness etiquette is. As for the bumper chewing, if you park in the forest, you're in the bear's territory and you're taking your chances. sorry to the guys that got them chewed though. does kinda suck, but it makes for a good story later on.
Bears need methadone. :banana
Bears need methadone. :banana
why is your banana not dancing?
warraghiyagey
06-04-2008, 15:41
why is your banana not dancing?
No Cialis??
No Cialis??
alright, i had to go look that one up. but now i can knowlegeably say:
"that thar's fun-nee! i don't care who ya ar!
NCPatrick
06-04-2008, 15:47
You sure it was a bear?
warraghiyagey
06-04-2008, 15:48
alright, i had to go look that one up. but now i can knowlegeably say:
"that thar's fun-nee! i don't care who ya ar!
Yupperdoodle!!!! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/dance004.gif
The Cheat
06-04-2008, 15:50
why is your banana not dancing?
Wow, that is some question. :o Lol.
Yupperdoodle!!!! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/dance004.gif
GET UP! STAND UP! DONT GIVE UP THE FIGHT! (YEAH, YEAH, YEAH...)
Wow, that is some question. :o Lol.
yeah, i guess that was a little personal. sorry? so. methadone?
why is your banana not dancing?
Probably needs a ride on the Kangamangus highway:-? http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing013.gif
take-a-knee
06-04-2008, 16:00
you have no understanding whatsoever of what I know. my boyfriend is dnr IN north georgia:eek: we talk about bears quite frequently as a matter of fact since he has to deal with problem bears on a regular basis. according to your knowledgeable self, bears learn so well from experience. could explain to me then, sir, why after being SHOT with a tranquilizer gun and waking up in A CAGE, the bears CONTINUE to be problem bears. THREE TIMES this happens before they're put down and they are CONSISTENTLY having to be put down. So you tell me: how well are these bears really learning from their experiences. Killing them is not the answer. Teaching humans correct wilderness etiquette is. As for the bumper chewing, if you park in the forest, you're in the bear's territory and you're taking your chances. sorry to the guys that got them chewed though. does kinda suck, but it makes for a good story later on.
Yes, bears do learn, once they learn that humans and their trappings can become a food source, and have lost their fear of same, they will have to be shot, since there are no million acre wilderness areas to relocate them into. So I would argue that preventing that conditioned response is the only way for the bear to coexist with humans and not become a problem, and if it does, then it is hammer time. "Teaching humans correct wilderness etiquitte", like hanging food, is an essential component, but in and of itself will never correct bears who've lost their fear of humans. If this is not the case then please explain the ever-present park bear phenomenon. If your boyfriend is a DNR biologist and doesn't understand this then both the residents of GA bear country and the bears themselves are in for a hard time.
warraghiyagey
06-04-2008, 16:02
Douche says what??
le loupe
06-04-2008, 16:03
That would mean that large sums of taxpayer cash and more herculean effort would be required of state DNR wildlife professionals like those expended in the state of GA to reestablish the black bear into its native range. I for one, relish the thought that bears roam the woods around the GA AT again, but the fact remains the North GA bear population is at or near the lands' carrying capacity (source-DNR biologist Kent Kammermeyer), and the only way to manage them is with limited sport hunting, and it is working very well.
Don't forget who provides the funds for wildlife re-establishment-
Hikers? nooooo.....
Hunters? Yes :banana
(thats the first time I've played with my bananna)
le loupe
06-04-2008, 16:03
BTW - show us a picture of the chewed jeep...
You sure it was a bear?
He probabily left some nuts on his dashboard. I have seen squirels go crazy over a bag of nuts and destroy buildings, cars, and sometimes people. :eek:
You most certainly need to pay attention where you leave your nuts!:eek:
Probably needs a ride on the Kangamangus highway:-? http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing013.gif
ahh, the beautiful views...
Douche says what??
funny. bears learn, yet he doesn't...:-?
warraghiyagey
06-04-2008, 16:22
funny. bears learn, yet he doesn't...:-?
Yup. . . ;)
envirodiver
06-04-2008, 17:14
No Cialis??
Smilin Bob to the rescue...Ta Da :banana:banana:banana:banana
Frolicking Dinosaurs
06-04-2008, 17:45
Yikes. I've heard the bears are pretty hungry up near Clingmans this year (last year's drought plus a lat frost killed off a lot of the fruit / berry blooms).
troutseeker
06-04-2008, 18:45
Yes, bears do learn, once they learn that humans and their trappings can become a food source, and have lost their fear of same, they will have to be shot, since there are no million acre wilderness areas to relocate them into. So I would argue that preventing that conditioned response is the only way for the bear to coexist with humans and not become a problem, and if it does, then it is hammer time. "Teaching humans correct wilderness etiquitte", like hanging food, is an essential component, but in and of itself will never correct bears who've lost their fear of humans. If this is not the case then please explain the ever-present park bear phenomenon. If your boyfriend is a DNR biologist and doesn't understand this then both the residents of GA bear country and the bears themselves are in for a hard time.
You are correct that bears can learn and are now thought to have intelligence parallel with chimps and dogs and their best conditioned response is motivated primarily by food.
I live in an area with one of the highest "bear per square" mile populations in the world in regards to the North Amercian black bear. While wildlife managers have been consistent in their stance that hunting is necessary to sustain a healthy bear population in terms of population control, there is no proof that hunting teaches bears to be more afraid of humans, at least in the short term. Perhaps over generations of hunting them, evolution would instill a greater fear of humans, but naturally they fear us plently already. I have noticed little difference bear behavior in areas where they have been hunted for centuries as opposed to bears in the National Park who have been protected for at least 70 years. Most black bears have a very healthy fear of humans that can be reversed by a desire to score an easy meal. However, it is not as if seeing their "buddy-bears" shot with a dart to sedate and tag gives them a different impression than shooting them with a .30-.30 and they discuss it over the midnight dumpster run..."Hey, don't piss off the humans, those pricks are serious!"
As much as people are completely careless about bringing food within bears' reach, or actually feeding them directly, the amount of bears that become aggressive towards humans, not their belongings, to attain food is not very common. Especially when you consider that SNP has one of the densest populations of back-country hikers and bears in the land. It is said that the few black bear on human attacks are typically predatorial, which is very rare for this species. I live in the woods surrounded by both protected and unprotected bear habitat. The only "problem bear" that I would want put down was one that showed unprovoked, true aggression towards humans. It does shock me how many people want to come out to the woods to live or play and want the bears removed because one ended up in their back yard. However, bear mangement does recognize hunting as a need for population control. As for me, the more humans I meet the more I like the bears.
rdpolete
06-04-2008, 18:54
That's why I take a rental car when I go camping.....Hello Hertz..... A bear ate your car.... Come pick me up with a new one would you!!?
Dude, that bear e mailed me and said that YOU almost ran him over a few miles back..............didn't include that in the details did you?
The Weasel
06-04-2008, 23:03
You wouldn't understand. It's a Jeep thing.
TW
Owner of "Tiger The Wonder Jeep"
warraghiyagey
06-05-2008, 00:14
Smilin Bob to the rescue...Ta Da :banana:banana:banana:banana
hehehee
About a week ago 2 bears got into a car in a local town and totally destroyed it trying to get out. It seems like a baby cub got into the car then the mom got in by opening the door and somehow it shut. They have most of it on film. It seems like they said the bears in the area have found out how to open the doors.Check it out. http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?s=8366286
NCPatrick
06-05-2008, 10:12
Yet another reason to lock the doors to your car.
sheepdog
06-05-2008, 10:35
I saw a special on bears in Yellowstone. They had this guy with a shotgun and rubber bullets. He also had two bear dogs. They were collie looking dogs, I don't know what breed.
When a problem bear was identified, this guy would shoot the bear in the butt with a rubber bullet or two and sick the dogs on them. The dogs worked as a team and harrassed the bear pretty good. Most bears did not require a second dose. They learned to fear humans and did not have to be destroyed.
envirodiver
06-05-2008, 10:40
I saw a special on bears in Yellowstone. They had this guy with a shotgun and rubber bullets. He also had two bear dogs. They were collie looking dogs, I don't know what breed.
When a problem bear was identified, this guy would shoot the bear in the butt with a rubber bullet or two and sick the dogs on them. The dogs worked as a team and harrassed the bear pretty good. Most bears did not require a second dose. They learned to fear humans and did not have to be destroyed.
Was it Grizzly bears they were doing this to. If so that guiy has some big ones and I wonder how many dogs he goes through. Just for me the last thing I'm looking to do in my life is P*** off a grizzly bear. Actually it could turn out to be the last thing you do in life.
Wise Old Owl
06-05-2008, 10:44
So this was where you were all having fun last night.....
Robert Carver, Clearly you must have cut off Mr. Bear in the woods, with your jeep and he caught up to you for a little bear revenge. Good thing he didn't think your jeep was a stress toy!:D
:banana I don't need my banana to dance, it's got rhythm!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ3yk7b73dw
Wise Old Owl
06-05-2008, 10:50
Was it Grizzly bears they were doing this to. If so that guiy has some big ones and I wonder how many dogs he goes through. Just for me the last thing I'm looking to do in my life is P*** off a grizzly bear. Actually it could turn out to be the last thing you do in life.
Sounds like a great Idea ED, plinking Grizzlies and irritating them! Why can't we do this in SNP with the black bear?
NICKTHEGREEK
06-05-2008, 10:54
Would that be the new FJ or the original?
If it's the new, that's laughable
if it's the old, I'll still take a cj-7 over that anytime.
The FJ-40 is the original. The new FJ's are a laugh.
envirodiver
06-05-2008, 11:02
Sounds like a great Idea ED, plinking Grizzlies and irritating them! Why can't we do this in SNP with the black bear?
Yeah, make a sport out of it. Kind of like those TV commercials for Beef Jerky "Messin with Sasquatch".
Why not just poke them with a sharp stick?
sheepdog
06-05-2008, 11:18
Was it Grizzly bears they were doing this to. If so that guiy has some big ones and I wonder how many dogs he goes through. Just for me the last thing I'm looking to do in my life is P*** off a grizzly bear. Actually it could turn out to be the last thing you do in life.
It was grizzly bears and the dogs never got touched. The bears were just trying to get out of there. The dogs were quick and fearless. It was really quite awesome to watch. They worked as a team. Everytime the bear went after a dog, the other dog was biting his butt. They said they had never lost a dog or even had a dog hurt. Grizzleys are fierce but they just wanted to get out of dodge. The bears learned also, they crossed campgrounds off their list.
sheepdog aka grizdog
I wonder if the dogs were trained on black bears. Program like this in Yosemite.
Biting griz in the butt. For the really hardcore.
sheepdog
06-05-2008, 11:25
http://www.beardogs.org/kbds/
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/07/0718_020718_beardogs.html
This is the one with grizz.
Here is a web site and the type of dogs on the tv.
Notice the short back. Makes for quick turns I bet!
Good luck keeping something like that to stay in the yard. Probably hear a twig snap from forever.
sheepdog
06-05-2008, 11:34
Notice the short back. Makes for quick turns I bet!
Good luck keeping something like that to stay in the yard. Probably hear a twig snap from forever.
They are quick and fearless. The bear couldn't touch them. The dogs looked like they were having fun. The breed description says they are high maintenance dogs. They say never let two of them run unsupervised or they go hunting!!
envirodiver
06-05-2008, 13:13
They are quick and fearless. The bear couldn't touch them. The dogs looked like they were having fun. The breed description says they are high maintenance dogs. They say never let two of them run unsupervised or they go hunting!!
I read a bit about them in the link that you posted and it was clear that this is not a dog for the casual pet owner. It is a working dog that must be trained extensively and likely exercised a lot on a regular basis.
It's great watching well trained working dogs do their thing. Whether it's a german pointer hunting birds or Border Collie herding livestock.
Wise Old Owl
06-05-2008, 13:17
Yeah, make a sport out of it. Kind of like those TV commercials for Beef Jerky "Messin with Sasquatch".
Why not just poke them with a sharp stick?
No we can't do that - first I can't find a stick long enough, and If I discussed beating or poking bears with a stick - I would be headed for the dark side of WB & have to hang out with smart people like MS.
I like the sheparding bear idea.... that one I would like to see. Good Find!
I read a bit about them in the link that you posted and it was clear that this is not a dog for the casual pet owner. It is a working dog that must be trained extensively and likely exercised a lot on a regular basis.
It's great watching well trained working dogs do their thing. Whether it's a german pointer hunting birds or Border Collie herding livestock.
I have a German Shorthaired Pointer and we belong to a dog training group here in Nashville. If you enjoy watching pointing breeds work, you should come to a training day sometime. It really is amazing to watch dogs do what they were breed to do!
envirodiver
06-05-2008, 13:50
I have a German Shorthaired Pointer and we belong to a dog training group here in Nashville. If you enjoy watching pointing breeds work, you should come to a training day sometime. It really is amazing to watch dogs do what they were breed to do!
It is amazing. I would like that PM me sometime when you guys will be working them.
Thanks
troutseeker
06-05-2008, 17:35
i have seen Karelians work before. they are awesome, but very far from something that resembles a family pet. some have been killed while working, but it is a work dog, as hard as that sounds. wolf packs have scared bears (black and brown) away from their kills and young before. team work and quickness. yet, the biggest pack still yields their kills to the largest bull males in Alaska. somehow, animals just know.
bears are unique animals and have personality differences, to include temperment, about as varied as we do. some grizzlies are just plain nasty and smart and will bait an animal within its wheel house. not pretty as they can snap spines with a glancing blow. however, for the MOST part, fighting is counter to feeding, eating and putting on weight. ultimately, bears just want to be left alone so they will often just want to get out of town.
no need for this in SNP as of yet...but can we shoot the humans with rubber bullets when they get real close to mama bear and her cubs to take a picture?
Incahiker
06-12-2008, 16:17
Wow, they guy does have some big ones. No way am I gonna go out with a pack of dogs and shoot a massive grizzly bear in the butt with a rubber bullet. Just like the poster above said, they have different temperments. Wait till he gets the bear version of Tank Abbot. After a shot in the arse that bear will probably eat the guy with the gun and the use the dogs as toothpicks.
Remember Grizzly man, isn't that what happened to him. He said some mean natured, evil bear came around about a week or so before it ate him. And the whole time he said he felt uncomfortable around that bear.