Bear Safety on Skyline Drive

Last week I wrote about the bear problem on Dickey Ridge in Shenandoah National Park. A hiker's dog was killed. Since then I've taken some pictures up there to show you what the park service is doing to ensure public safety.

Signs have gone up to alert visitors to the danger. The trail to Snead Farm is closed. I could see from Skyline Drive that rangers are patrolling the trail.

It appeared that the number of tourists has actually increased! The visitor center was quite busy even though it was ten minutes before closing time!

I did not get a picture of a real bear this time so this fellow will have to do! He's warning us that bears are active in this area and has a list of what to do if you encounter a persistent bear. (Do not run! Make noise!)

I did see a bear crossing the road later! He disappeared into the forest before I could even pull over.

While still in the visitor center, I spotted a pretty fawn — not a real one, but at least he posed nicely.

Not far from there I saw a real deer next to the road.

Signs at Dickey Ridge Picnic Area

Farther south at Elkwallow Picnic Area I saw numerous warning signs. There were large posters next to the parking lot and there were even signs taped to the picnic tables.

I believe Elkwallow is the first place I ever saw a bear in the wild! I was just a kid hiking with my family and my older brother was in front. He got a good look at the bear, who immediately took off into the woods. I only caught a glimpse at the bear's rear end before he vanished.

Virginia's bears are normally shy. When one becomes a nuisance it's because he has been fed by people, perhaps accidentally when someone food out in the open.