I once saw a bear smell one single chicken wing from over half a mile away.
These guys setup a chicken wing on a stake in the middle of the woods, over half a mile away from the bear. All it took was one sniff for the bear to know exactly in which direction he had to walk to get to the little wing.
The guy conducting the experiment said he was 100% sure the bear could smell it just as well from 3/4 of a mile or so.
which is amazing because every bear I've been close to has smelled terrible. I mean ripe. Fumes.There is an old Indian saying that goes something like "When a Pine needle falls in the forest from a mile away, the Eagle will see it, the Elk will hear it, and the Bear will smell it".
Correct me if I'm wrong but, that's the dude I'd be spraying...This guy will write you a ticket in a heartbeat.
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Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals.
If you see a bear remain watchful. Do not approach it. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.)—you’re too close. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don’t run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Try to increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same.
If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting, try changing your direction. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. Act aggressively and try to intimidate the bear. Act together as a group if you have companions. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Use a deterrent such as a stout stick. Don’t run and don't turn away from the bear. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems.