Re: Another Bear "Attack"...
Marie E. Lackore (mlackore@ATHENET.NET)
Mon, 22 Jul 1996 10:57:14 +0000
{snip}
> Some good points were made about proper safety procedures when in wildlife
> country. However...wild animals are inherently unpredictable, and there
> is only so far you can go. If the woman with fish scales in her hair had
> washed them out, would she have been blamed for having the scent of soap
> or shampoo on her hair? Both have been known to attract bears. By all
> means, use sensible precautions when you're in the wilderness. But
> realize that even if you've done everything right, something can go
> wrong. The untamed nature of the wilderness is a big part of its appeal,
> and untamed animals are certainly part of the package. {snip}
Bill,
Yes...true....you can do everything right, and something can still go
wrong.
However, safety must always be our number one objective when dealing
with Scout Outings. Leaving the scent of fish in your hair, does not
come near to safe and sensible Scouting, considering that fish is
probably a bear's favorite food. When I had my troop backpacking in
the Porcupines, I made sure they emptied out their Packs every night
so that the Leaders could check for food. They are Scouts and as
such will completely forget about the gorp in the top pouch of their
backpack. I would never chastise a Scout for overlooking this,
however, as the adult in charge, I always make sure that the Scouts
understand that when we are in "bear country", it is a safety issue.
The same goes for the smell of food on a Scout's clothing - the
clothing gets washed out and/or goes in the bear bag. I leave
nothing to chance.
I never want to be put in the position where I need to apologize to a
parent who's Scout has been injured (or worse) by a bear, because I,
the leader, did not practice safe Scouting. I couldn't live with
myself.
Yis,
Marie E. Lackore
Family Camping among other things
Bay-Lakes Council #635
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
