Bear Container and Baxter

[percious]

I am heading out to Baxter for Katahdin, chimney pond, kidney pond, and russel pond this june.

Is it worth it to carry an extra 2.5lbs of bear container to this area?

-percious

 

[lumberzac]

I am heading out to Baxter for Katahdin, chimney pond, kidney pond, and russel pond this june.

Is it worth it to carry an extra 2.5lbs of bear container to this area?

-percious

They had a cable at Chimney Pond last August (an ADK bear would have had no problem getting food down from it). I didn't see any bear sign in the area, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.

 

[twigeater]

I've never had a problem with food in Baxter, usually I hang my food bag off the lean-to. It was sniffed by a moose once. Another time the lean-to next to me had a squirrel problem. When I tent I hang my food.
One trip we had a cannister and used it to stash food that we'd pick up in a few days since we were coming back through.

I remember years ago going to South Branch Pond and seeing the 50 gallon drum bear traps baited with sardines. We practically had to fight off the coons when one kid left snacks in his daypack in the lean-to at night. Others tell stories of going to Baxter and having bears trash coolers and try to break into vehicles. These days even if there are bears around, they aren't a problem, though I wouldn't tempt them...I think this is due to BSP's diligence in enforcing LNT and "do not feed the animals."

You can always bring the cannister and ask at the gate or ranger station about bear activity.

 

[Waumbek]

The Chimney Pond cable and hook system worked fine for me.