Ask A Bear: Will My iPod Keep You Away?

So? Exactly how old is your iPod ? And where exactly did you say you hung it?

Hey, Willy Wonka...when a bear comes to visit in the middle of the night I usually scream like a little girl and pee myself. So far, so good...

It probably keeps elephants away, too. (Very old joke.)

I bet that sound of that ipod has also kept the elephants away.

Let me know if the barking dogs attract wolves.

Really? I'm sure you just gave someone inspiration for a new app.

If you enjoy listening to your iPod at night and it isn't bothering anyone else (because you keep the volume down so it cannot be heard) then use it. NEVER EVER let anyone tell you how you're supposed to hike, camp, or enjoy yourself. As long as you're not breaking any laws and no one can hear your iPod, then use it however you want. But, if you're using it for protection, I say save yourself the weight.

James, take your ball, and go home...

I hope its not a stupid question but every article I have read describes how to prevent backcountry encounters with bears by keeping a clean camp or how to handle unexpected daytime trail encounters and SO far so good. One topic that I have never seen covered is what to do if one desides to stop by and say high in the middle of the night. The tent I have only has 1 door; should you exit, shout, try not to mace myself in the darkness, turn your headlamp to flash mode, or what.

Thanks for any advice you may have.

I still find it astounding that anyone would choose the sounds of electronics to the sounds of nature when they are out in nature. Why bother to go?

I'm 69 years old. I have been camping and backpacking in the Sierra as long as I can remember and in the Colorado Rockies for the last 12 years. I have never had a bear encounter in my camp. I always cook away from where I sleep (downwind if possible), use a bear box, and hang my food farther away than my kitchen. I never eat in my tent or keep food in the tent. Simple rules!!

Leave your ipod at home and enjoy the outdoors. I've been hiking and packing in bear country for thirty years with no unwanted bear encounters. A clean camp and common sense goes a long way. Then again maybe I'm just lucky.

I suggest these two test their "hypothesis" the next and put a nice Pastrami sandwich next to the iPod. ;)

This shows that you've just about beat the bear questions to death. The questions are just getting stupid.