Chon TorresWhen I started camping with small children in 2005, I was very interested in how to deal with bears. I had 20 years of backpacking experience, but kids make you rethink it all. I read Stephen Herrero's book and adopted grizzly avoidance methods in California Black Bear territory. Over the years we had a few encounters, but nothing bad. It is awe-inspiring to scare a bear away and feel the earth move as they run. #SierraNevada #bears #camping
My kids all love being outdoors and are not afraid, but they also know what attracts bears. They also think it is funny that I have a google search that emails me about bear attacks every day. I love it.
For anyone interested, the book is linked below. I also highly recommend the Tooth and Claw podcast which is funny, gives tips for avoiding animal attacks, and is irreverent, which is a combination I adore.
https://www.amazon.com/Bear-Attacks-Their-Causes-Avoidance/dp/149302941X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MW9WF001FHO7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KeMQ5KXdamsnZxLSa8K2qSbsAuWM3Nk__hS-aPBDklEj42fIo_9SAAM2QaUbhXp0g8gobDveMFBxS3WHeyh0Rw.JygfTmWh781NFKq3bY1CqLXi7zg9HDQFUHSpKi-C_-A&dib_tag=se&keywords=bear+attacks+their+causes+and+avoidance&qid=1760228189&sprefix=bear+attacks%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1 #ToothAndClaw #AnimalAttacks
I now have a 7 month old grandson and within the next few years look forward to camping with him in the Sierra Nevada and hopefully backpacking in them when he is ready.
We camped when my youngest was 18 months and while they had fun, the uneven ground led to lots of falls and scrapes and bruises. The next year they were totally ready to be outdoors and had an amazing time. Kids love the outdoors and are not afraid when you tell them the facts and how to deal with animals that are just being animals.