Re: [IP] Grizzly Bears and Insulin . . .
A friend whose husband works for the National Park Service (not stationed at
Yellowstone) responded to my query on this issue with a few suggestions.
They include:
1) If had to guess, I think any odor could attract attention, but not
necessarily an attack. Quick search found this:
http://www.yellowstone-bearman.com/menstruation_data.html. Seems extremely
unlikely, but I understand wanting to take precautions!
2) Another thought: I am thinking of backcountry backpacking... a group
camp might be safer since bears are discouraged or removed if they get
"humanized". (check reports of bear activity, Ranger in-service on
surviving a bear attack, check trail logs, noisemaker, bear proof food, etc)
3) We follow the rules to the letter, including having a cooking area
separate from camp, using bear poles( they are provided in the backcountry),
changing clothes you cook in, putting all clothes/food/personal effects in
our backpacks, which we hoist up the bear pole every evening.
I have also put this question to a few other friends who are knowledgeable
about back country camping so if I hear anything else I will forward it on.
Also, the following looks like a useful site for Yellowstone and bears.
http://www.yellowstone-bearman.com/campw_bears.html
Bottom line, I don't have a definitive answer and I'm thinking one isn't
likely to be found. Care, common sense, and respect for your surroundings
sound like the best advice. This has been a very interesting thread.
Sally
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob" <email @ redacted>
To: <email @ redacted>
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 1:16 PM
Subject: [IP] Grizzly Bears and Insulin . . .
>
> I run a pump group in California and I got a question from one of our
> members
> that was pretty interesting. Thought I would send it out and see if anyone
> has
> knowledge about or experience with this.
>
> This individual is going hiking and camping in Yellowstone National Park.
> Her
> question is, does she need to be concerned about bears smelling insulin
> inside
> her pump (she uses a MiniMed 722) and potentially attacking her inside a
> tent.
> With the Paradigm pumps there is a slight smell of insulin but is this
> something
> that would attract a bear? Any thoughts on this?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob
.
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