Virginia – Bear Activity – Pearisburg area, 5/28/25
va
|central-virginia
|bear-activity
|hiking-safety
|Alert
05/28/25
The ATC received a report of a food conditioned bear at a campsite a piped spring just south of Pearisburg, VA (the campsite and spring are at NOBO mile 633.9). The bear has stolen at least two food bags.
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 defeating even proper PCT-style hangs.
Hikers in this area should exercise extreme caution, keep a clean camp by cleaning up all spills and crumbs, 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. 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.
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