Algonquin, like Yellowstone, is well known for a few fatal bear attacks. We used to use rope to create a barrier around our camp site and then hang pots and pans to "hopefully" frighten the animal away and wake us up. Some of it is common sense though, like storing food high up and away from the site and changing out of the clothes you wore while making dinner. I personally think the outdoors in the west are more enjoyable though, mostly due to lack of mosquitoes, black flies, and humidity. However, some of the best camping I did was during the winter months in Colorado. I convinced my former girlfriend to go for three nights in the snow. The technology is so good now for tents and sleeping bags that it was one of the most enjoyable experiences for both of us. Way cool to uncover the "moon roof" in the tent and watch how alive the night sky is away from the city lights. And no worries about wildlife that can eat you as they are sleeping in the off season.
I still recall the incident below from Algonquin in the 90s. There was also another one where a single bear took out three kids who went fishing by one of the lakes.
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While they were setting up camp on Bates Island, a black bear broke both of their necks. The bear then dragged their bodies into the woods and consumed the remains. When police arrived five days later, the bear was guarding the bodies. A park naturalist called the attack "right off the scale of normal bear behavior".
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/18/2013 04:16PM by mohave.
