Bears in VA

[Transition Bob]

I'm going to section hike from Dickey Gap to Damascus in VA the week after Trail Days and want to know if I need to bear bag my food. I see some hikers keep their food in their tents, while others store their food in bear bags. Curious to know others' recommendations.

[Spider]

Better to err on the side of caution. The black bears you'll find in VA are by no means aggressive but I'm sure you could encounter a particularly curious one. I'd recommend bear bagging just in case.

[bulldog49]

When I did that section I kept my food in my tent. In fact, unless some sort of Bear Cable is available, I keep my food in my tent always.

[Blissful]

I bear bag. I like my tent too much.

[Del Q]

"Bear" Bagging, I like doing this for several reasons, not just bears.

1. I have plenty of time on my hands once I pitch my tent
2. Good skill, fun task in the woods.
3. To me, it's as much about keeping the OTHER critters away from my tent, skunks, raccoons, etc.............and bears.

That's my story and I'm sticking with it!

[Tipi Walter]

"Bear" Bagging, I like doing this for several reasons, not just bears.

1. I have plenty of time on my hands once I pitch my tent
2. Good skill, fun task in the woods.
3. To me, it's as much about keeping the OTHER critters away from my tent, skunks, raccoons, etc.............and bears.

That's my story and I'm sticking with it!

Pretty much right. Laziness keeps people from bear bagging their food, simple laziness. Anyway, mice will chew holes into your food bag if you leave it on the ground or inside the tent.

[birdygal]

We came across a momma with 3 cubs in shanandoah

[MkBibble]

2. Good skill, fun task in the woods.

usually good for a few laughs at the end of a long day!