Running in N.C. mountains, bears

Training Advice/Discussion General

2 years ago 09/21/2021 7:23pm EDT

I'm going to take a trip to the N.C. mountains soon, near Lake Lure. Of course I'm going to do my usual running. But we live nowhere near the mountains. My wife is telling me that if I run around there, even during the daytime I need to worry about bears and wear bells on me (lol), take bear spray and stuff like that. I'm thinking she's being overcautious (as usual) but I honestly don't know.

Is there anyone out there that runs in the N.C. mountains regularly? Are bears something you have to worry about while running and if so, what do you do to prepare?

2 years ago 09/21/2021 7:36pm EDT

re: GettingFasterDude

No. You are fine! That's funny though!

I live in NC and travel to the mountains here and there. Usually the Asheville, Linville, or Banner Elk area. I have ran some mountains trails with no issues. Your wife is just nervous. Sounds like my wife.

Unless there are potential grizzly bears in the area, you don't need to worry. I use to run often in the North Cascade mountains where there were alot of black bears. I even ran into mother bears with cubs from time to time. I had no issue. They walk away.

Have fun. NC mountains are a relaxing place.

2 years ago 09/21/2021 7:43pm EDT

re: GettingFasterDude

GettingFasterDude wrote:
I'm going to take a trip to the N.C. mountains soon, near Lake Lure. Of course I'm going to do my usual running. But we live nowhere near the mountains. My wife is telling me that if I run around there, even during the daytime I need to worry about bears and wear bells on me (lol), take bear spray and stuff like that. I'm thinking she's being overcautious (as usual) but I honestly don't know.
Is there anyone out there that runs in the N.C. mountains regularly? Are bears something you have to worry about while running and if so, what do you do to prepare?

Lol black bears are harmless. You could even hug them and be fine.

2 years ago 09/21/2021 7:47pm EDT

re: GettingFasterDude

Black bears are aggressive only to those who are afraid of them. Do not under any circumstances be afraid of a black bear! Very dangerous.

2 years ago 09/21/2021 7:50pm EDT

re: GettingFasterDude

I have been running, hiking and biking in Western North Carolina for the last 20 years and come across quite a few bears. I Typically just stop and look at them and they run off. They are far more scared of you than you should be of them. As long as you don't plan to put food in a tent for the night, you will be just fine. The only time I get nervous is when I see a cub without it's mother. I then start keeping an eye out for the mother.

My favorite bear story was when I was running outside Bryson City, NC in the National Park and I came across a couple small bears and one tried to climb and tree and on its way up it slipped and fell on its back and made a funny squeal. It got up and scampered off through the woods. I just laughed and went along my merry way.

Have fun in Lake Lure!

2 years ago 09/21/2021 7:59pm EDT

re: GettingFasterDude

I run in the NC mountains all the time and you don't have anything to worry about. As others have mentioned, it's very unlikely you'll see any bears, and if you do they will want to avoid you.

What you're describing -- with bear mace etc. -- might be appropriate in grizzly country like Montana or Wyoming, but not NC.

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