Bear necessities: Outdoors enthusiasts need to be careful
Posted: Friday, May 23, 2003  Many relish the experience of
spending time in the great outdoors by hiking, backpacking and
camping. However, there is much to be aware besides the perfect
way to build a s'more.  Spending time in the wilderness of
Alaska also brings with it the inherent possibility of bears,
and knowing what to do, and what not to do, in bear country can
often mean the difference between carefree fun outing or a brush
with death.  "This is a dangerous time to hike and camp," said
Dr. Stephen Stringham. Stringham has more than 30 years
experience working with bears in Alaska, conducting much of his
field research from less than 10 yards away from wild bears.
"There's not much food available, sows have cubs and are
defensive of them, and boars look to mate in May and June and
are therefore more aggressive," he said.  Stringham explained
bears are just coming out of hibernation and are hungry for
food. However, salmon haven't run yet and