1. Blackflies are attracted to vertical objects and seem to ignore horizontal ones.

2. Foil and food containers found in odd places near a campsite should be a dead give away that a bear has recently helped itself to some unlucky camper's food at this site. Look for another site or expect a visit.

3. Ravens are organized conniving thieves and should not be trusted.

4. A moose with a calf will not try to avoid a human when she is being followed by a bear. Especially when she has already fought with said bear.

5. Bring faster film so I can get sharper pictures when trying to get out of her way.

6. When a bear enters my camp, I will chase it away immediately. Far away. I won't assume it will leave just because I'm around - especially if I'm quietly taking pictures.

7. Bears will start to climb trees when frightened, but will come down again when they realize they are bigger than me.

8. A bear will find and dig up coffee grounds even when I'm making as much noise as I can just 20 feet away.

9. A bear is attracted to powerbaits, and is also stupid enough to run off with a paddle when it's feeling rushed. I now hang powerbaits with the rest of my food. Or at least keep them separate from my fishing rod and paddle.

10. When a bear finally evicts me from a campsite, I'll move everything 5 feet at a time if I have to. I'll not make 2 trips to the canoe, while leaving presumably "inedible" items unaccompanied.

11. A bear does not like the taste of gas.

Posted by db on October 21, 1999 at 01:27