The recent presence of black bears in Savage Gulf in the South Cumberland State Recreation Area is bringing some new backpacking and hiking rules for Park visitors. South Cumberland is in the process of creating new bear guidelines which are being adapted from Pickett State Park where bears have been present for several years.
A new Park flyer posted at Park entrances and kiosks reads "All park visitors be advised to use caution when in contact with BEARS, respect the bears need for space. Never approach a bear, not even for a photo."
"Campers must use ‘bear bag’ techniques and hang ALL food and scented items away from campsite. Never have food stored in tent. Carry all trash out, do not burn and leave garbage in fire ring, this will attract bears to campgrounds." Hang food in bag at least 100ft away from campsite & other campers. Hang on sturdy limb, that will be able to hold weight of bag, at least 10 feet away from trunk of tree and hoist bag at least 15 feet above the ground."
Bearbagging is the practice of storing anything that smells like food (as well as the food itself) into a bag, and hanging it over a tree limb that a bear can't reach by climbing or stretching.
Keep this in mind about bears:
They learn quickly
They have a powerful sense of smell
Bears have a much more generous definition of "food" than you do.
Anything that once contained food, or physically contacted food, or even had an edible liquid like soup or juice spilled on it is capable of attracting a bear.
Bears also go for things like these: toothpaste gum wrappers bars of soap (most contain fats)scented sunscreens deodorants
If you're unsure about the item, play it safe and place it out of reach in your bear bag. Bears can scent food through plastic bags, foil wrapping, even lidded plastic containers.
Read the Park bear notice here.
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