Da Bears (Lake Como/& Capitol)

[pmeadco]

fairly doable?

I think so. If you are in decent shape you should be able to do it. I know people who have.

[macgyver]

I've heard the stories of the road. May just do LB from the road and B&E from Zapata for some change of scenery

[pmeadco]

I think the road would be a lot more tolerable if you aren't carrying a backpack.

[noinu09]

My climbing crew left the road at 9000ft and hiked all three peaks via the traverses in 15hrs... Left at 0300 and we were back to the car by 1800... Much better than worrying about Barney...

[somethingrandom]

Perhaps Im a sadist, but I am curious why this is a 'bear' problem and not a 'human' problem....

Seems to me the bear is in its natural environment and people are making it too easy to relate people to food.

It DISGUSTS me knowing these bears will certainly be killed because a bunch of people need to 'bag a peak' without giving thought to the environment they do it and the effects it has...

I personally dont think any animal should be put down in its natural environment based on human interference. Dont get me wrong, I carry a very large gun on nearly every hike in the event I am attacked, but have never used it even after being pursued by a good size mountain lion who subsequently raided our camp.

This is not a problem with the bear being too comfortable with people, it is a problem with people not respecting the bear's habitat and allowing it to become complacent in the presence of humans.

[Traveler]

what are your thoughts on sleeping in the truck at 8800', leaving around 2am, either LB or B&E as day hikes (both within 3 days) ... more of a hassle, but fairly doable?

I don't like that road enough to walk it twice close together.

+1 I could not agree more with dpage.

[jjarrard913]

Came across this post trying to get a recent bear status report for Capitol Lake. I heard rumors that there was a bear sighting at the lake 2 or 3 weeks ago. Just curious if anyone has been up there lately and if there has been any new activity. Thanks!

[SoCool]

Yes. In fact, there was a sign warning of an encounter near the creek crossing, miles below the lake. This indicates the bear travels far (like most bears).

Edit: I should have specified I was responding to the post just prior to mine, regarding Capitol Lake.

[pmeadco]

Talked to somebody from the USFS a few days ago and they said that they believe that there are multiple bears patrolling the area. So, this is probably a permanent thing for Como.

[BillMiddlebrook]

Talked to somebody from the USFS a few days ago and they said that they believe that there are multiple bears patrolling the area. So, this is probably a permanent thing for Como.

If things get worse, the DPW will likely go up there and remove or take out the bear(s). I hope they take action before someone is injured or killed.

[aliciaf]

Came across this post trying to get a recent bear status report for Capitol Lake. I heard rumors that there was a bear sighting at the lake 2 or 3 weeks ago. Just curious if anyone has been up there lately and if there has been any new activity. Thanks!

I was there 7/25-26 and did not see the bear. A few other people did see the bear the day before we got there and the day after we left. I don't think it bothers camp too much, though, like the Lake Como bear(s). Just bring a bear canister and you should have no issues at Capitol Lake.

[davebobk47]

While hiking out Sunday (8/2) from Capitol Lake we saw a bear. Single bear, not terribly large well below the lake (at the base of the beginning of the switch backs). He had found some nice berries or something and could care less that we were there. Ran into a USFS patroller lower down and let him know.

I'm guessing there is currently enough food in the area that if you take proper precautions he'll leave you alone.