Virginia – Bear Activity – Wapiti Shelter Area, 6/18/25
va
|central-virginia
|bear-activity
|hiking-safety
|Alert
06/18/2025
Hikers have shared reports of a food conditioned bear around a dispersed tent site about two miles north of Wapiti Shelter (shelter is at NOBO mile 618.5, the tent site is at mile 620.9). The bear was reported circling the tent site.
Hikers in this area should exercise extreme caution, keep a clean camp by cleaning up all spills and crumbs, cook and eat at least 200 feet from campsites and the shelter, and 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.
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