Virginia – Bear Activity – Catawba Mtn. Shelter
va
|central-virginia
|bear-activity
|hiking-safety
|Alert
10/11/2023
The ATC received a report of a habituated bear at Catawba Mountain Shelter (NOBO mile 712.5). The bear showed little fear of humans despite attempts to scare the bear away. Hikers should exercise caution in this area, properly store all food and scented items, keep a clean camp, pack out all trash and food waste, and never leave food unattended – even for a moment such as a quick trip to the privy or to check out a view.
The ATC strongly recommends that all overnight hikers use a bear canister for the duration of their time on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Bear canisters are the surest and most flexible means of food storage for camping along the A.T. to ensure that bears do not access human food.
Learn more about bear canisters and bear safety on the A.T. here.
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