Daniel Boone National Forest Is Not a Zoo; Hikers Beware

I've hiked in the Red River Gorge all my life, though not since Black Bears returned to the area in significant numbers a few years ago. What happened Sunday was a potential tragedy averted, but let it also be a reminder that forests are not Disneyland with too many trees.

From the Herald:

The Red River Gorge area in Daniel Boone National Forest is closed until further notice after what officials said was the first black bear attack on a human in modern Kentucky history.

Tim Scott, 56, of Springfield said he was hiking on Pinch-Em Tight Trail on Sunday when the bear attacked him without provocation about 2:15 p.m.

SNIP

State wildlife officials are setting traps in the area to capture the bear and, until they have caught it or know that it has left the area, the Red River Gorge recreation area will be closed, said U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Kimberly Morgan.

Scott said he thinks the bear should be euthanized: "Just like humans, there are some bad ones that need to be taken out of circulation."

But he added, "I have to defend the right of bears to be where they live. ... It was theirs before it was ours."

Steven Dobey, black bear program manager for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, said it's rare for black bears to attack unprovoked.

"The bear wasn't interested in the man's belongings. He was more interested in a predatory nature," Dobey said. "It's rare, but it has been known to happen."

SNIP

Safety tips for black bear encounters

■ Never approach a black bear.

■ If you happen upon a bear, don't run. Back away slowly in the opposite direction.

■ Never hike alone; always hike with a group.

■ When camping, store food inside a bear-proof container or inside your vehicle. Never store food inside your tent.

For more safety tips, visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/safety/critters/bearsafe.shtml or http://fw.ky.gov/blackbearencounter.asp.

Read the whole thing and see pictures here.