| Page 1068 | National Parks Traveler

I am planning to go fishing on the Snake River in the Grand Teton National Park in about two weeks. While I was there last fall I was been told there is a grizzly in the area. I had bear spray, and watched the surrounding area carefully. This year, after two people have been killed by bears, I plan to carry bear spray and a colt .45.

Sep 7th - 14:32pm | Dale Matson

Kurt,

Sep 7th - 14:27pm | Anonymous

I think it's a shame that the shy grizzly is being forced to live in this modern, overcrowded, country. I feel that once again we are over managing and putting our own wants first. Grizzlies are not endangered on this continent. They are in the lower U.S. states and for good reason- too many people!

Sep 7th - 11:16am | Lawrence J. Caldwell

I spoke to a volunteer at the Clingman's Dome Visistor's Center when I spotted three big cans of bear spray for sale. She was originally from out west in grizzly country. Although the package stated effectiveness for grizzlies, she shook her head and said, "No way."

Sep 7th - 09:45am | AnonymousD

I'm with Danny and Ramblefeet on this one - prepare and be aware.

Sep 7th - 09:32am | Bob M

Bear Bells - Check Bear Spray - Check Air Horn - Check Cascade Corner here I come.....

Sep 7th - 09:13am | ramblefeet

I think that the fatalities this summer have made me more aware of how good the 'standard' advice is - hike in groups of three or more, make people sounds, eliminate enticing odors, etc... I like hiking quietly and enjoy hiking alone - I don't think I will be doing that anymore in grizzly country. So, yes, I have done some reconsidering, though I don't think that is a bad thing.

Sep 7th - 08:03am | Connie Hopkins

My husband Dave and I were in Yellowstone just last month and we did our usual backcountry hiking; we were packing our bear spray, making noise and being generally "Bear Aware". We had planned to hike Riddle Lake but it was closed due to the fatality in July so we adjusted our schedule.

Sep 7th - 06:09am | Danny

It would not stop me just make me prepare more and be a lot more cautious.

Sep 7th - 05:51am | Lawrence J. Caldwell

I just spent a week in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There were bear warning signs posted everywhere. Yet visitors continued to do stupid things which could incite bear attacks. A mother and three cubs feasted on roadside berries. Naturally everyone stopped to take photos. Many left their cars and got as close as possible to the bears for a better picture. Some got too close and tu

Many National Parks Get The Indian Story Wrong

Sep 7th - 13:30pm | richp39

I find this article overly critical. Yes, there could be more history of the Native Americans at all of the parks mentioned. There could also be more history of the settlers, white, black and oriantal. Also more info on the flora and fauna, geology, ecology, etc, etc. There is only so much time, money and space for documenting and displaying the stories.

Sep 7th - 12:09pm | D. Styler

Just as a postscript,having just returned from visiting Guadeloupe NP, I can say I was greatly impressed by the knowledge of Native American culture, history, and present and past society displayed by the interpretative staff.

Sep 7th - 11:18am | Don Morris

I was surprised the author did not examine the interpretive work at Mesa Verde, Chaco, and other areas whose prime resource is Native American history. Often there, one must start from a fairly low level - I once got the question "Were these built by Indians or people?" at Mesa Verde- with a start like that, you have a mountain to climb....

Sep 6th - 16:48pm | Debbie

For a great history of the Havasupai people of the Grand Canyon, I recommend "I am the Grand Canyon" by Stephen Hirst. A white man who lived among the Havasupai relates the story of a people through interviews and recollections of the native Americans and then gives them the copyright to the book. It is riveting and a sad commentary on our treatment of these people, but a testimony to their p

Crisp September Weather Brings Crisp Apples, Along with History, To the National Parks

Sep 6th - 21:33pm | RangerLady

Kurt, we're up to 3100 trees here at Captiol Reef! Right now Ginger Gold apples, Flemish Beauty Pears, and Italian Prune Plums are ripe and there are still a few peaches that haven't been picked. Come on out!

Sal Hollow Trail In Mammoth Cave National Park Closed To Mountain Bikers, Open To Horses

Sep 6th - 20:46pm | Josh

Yes, God forbid there be one trail that they can't ride horses on. I guess this one will be rutted up and covered with beer cans before too long...

Windy Weekend Weather Blows Fire In Yellowstone National Park To 1,100 Acres

Sep 6th - 18:33pm | RambleFeet

I was just about to start researching things like fires and road closings tonight for an upcoming hiking ramble and stumbled on the tweet that led me to this excellent article. I really appreciate the detail and clarity of your writing - it's very helpful - thanks!

Sky Diving at Denali National Park? A Florida-Based Company Thinks It's a Great Idea

Sep 6th - 15:27pm | Sunny T.

Cheers to you Jim Horak!

Too Many Deer in the Nation's Capital? Rock Creek Park Holds a Public Meeting on Wednesday

Sep 6th - 14:33pm | Anonymous

I spend more time in the woods then anyone I know. I'm a hunter/ naturalist. I understand more then anyone the balance of nature. Wolves? You guys really don't know what you are talking about. Wolves would be just a succeptable to vehicle collisions as the deer them selves. If they lived long enough to breed, long enough to maintain a steady population (Not!). It would only take a

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