Bear Activity at Fingerboard Shelter?

[Debbie]

Has anyone had problems with bears at Fingerboard Shelter in NY this year? I read on the ATC website that there was a "problem bear" reported there in 2017. I'm considering getting a bear canister for my hike next month.

[cmoulder]

This year I don't think so. Yet. I saw him/her there last fall but I camped anyway... a couple hundred yards from the shelter.

I'm sure this was the problem bear because it behaved like no other I've seen at Harriman. Normally they run like hell at the faintest sign of humans, but this one took its sweet time and sauntered away. This bear also looked scrawny and its coat was not in good condition, so it might've been sick and maybe died over the winter.... pure speculation on my part.

However, bears have really good memories when it comes to food sources so I'd expect it back. Just do a good hang... not off the shelter rafters like many folks do.

[Debbie]

Thanks for the info-I'll be careful.