Central Virginia – Bear Activity – Jenny Knob Shelter, 6/13/25

va
|
central-virginia
|
bear-activity
|
hiking-safety
|

Alert

06/13/2025

The ATC received reports of bear activity at Jenny Knob Shelter (NOBO mile 604.0). The bear attempted to get into a bear canister before being scared off by the canister’s owner. The bear did not return.

You can help keep this and other A.T. bears safe by following these guidelines:

  • Exercise caution in this area
  • Keep a clean camp by cleaning up all spills and crumbs
  • Cook and eat at least 200 feet from campsites and the shelter
  • Properly store all food and scented items overnight in a bear canister.
  • Never leave food unattended – even for a moment to visit a privy or check out a view.

The ATC recommends using a bear canister no matter where you are on the A.T., since they have shown to be the most effective way to prevent bears from getting hiker food. It is difficult to do a proper bear hang (at least 12 feet high and at least 6 feet from the trunk and any branches), and ATC has received reports of bears on the Trail defeating even proper PCT-style hangs.

Learn more about bear safety, proper food storage on the A.T., and what to do if you encounter a bear on our Bear webpage.

Report all bear encounters via our Bear Encounter Report form.

Share
Back