No bears? Other critters that raid food

[tarol]

So I've heard it both ways - that there are no bears in the San Jacinto Mountains - or there are bears but they pose little threat.

I have a critter sack that I can hang - or I can bring a canister. Which do you think would suffice?

[zippetydude]

I've been all over these mountains and many of the people on this board have been out there considerably more than I have. If there were bears, we would have either seen one or at least come across tracks or scat. You're fine either way, but canisters are pesky to carry if you ask me.

z

[greatshaitan]

There are no wild bears in the San Jacintos..... till there are some.

[Hikin_Jim]

So, there aren't really any bears in the San Jacintos, or at least they've never gotten themselves established there for whatever reason. There have been times where they've worked there way down from the San Bernardinos, but for whatever reason, they don't seem to stay. I have seen credible photos from the N face of the San Jacintos of bear scat.

I usually take an UrSack for the San Jacintos. While not perfect for chipmunks etc. (given enough time, they will eventually get through), it's worked well enough for me (no food losses to date).

HJ

[cynthia23]

They're supposed to stay over on 'their' side (i.e. across the freeway) but occasionally one wanders over to the San Jacintos. But when they do, people notice. I remember about six years ago a bear was seen up near the tram, but then as I recall Fish and Game trapped it and for some very odd reason let it out near the lower Tram station--much to everyone's displeasure. I can't remember if or how they eventually got the bear back across the freeway but I know they did. I think the chances of seeing a bear in the San Jacintos are very very slim.

[Norris]

Late post, but probably worth mentioning that ravens/crows are a potential concern. On one trip, my group hung a trash bag over a tree branch to keep it away from critters only to have it attacked by birds, causing trash to be spread around. That is the only issue I have ever had in years of hiking/camping in the San Jacintos. I would not bother with a bear canister in the San Jacintos, just keep stuff in your tent. However, in the San Gorgonio wilderness I WOULD take a canister.

[tarol]

I ended up taking a bear canister - I figure it's best to keep all food away from all critters, and think the can is more convenient than hanging. We base camped at Round Valley for two nights, climbing the peak on Day 2.