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Campsite Layout
Bearbags
Bear Procedures
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Bears
Much information (and mis-information) has been circulated about bears at
Philmont. The summer of 2001 saw an increase in the number of bear
incidents at Philmont -- this was brought on by a combination of weather factors
(the area was extremely dry in the summer of 2000 which limited the food for the
bears) and mistakes by campers.
Bears at Philmont are Black Bears and come in a wide variety of color phases
including black, brown, and cinnamon (reddish or blond). Black bears vary
greatly in size and weight. Adult bears may vary in weight from 125 to 450
pounds and male bears are usually larger than females of the same age.
When on all four legs, black bears measure about three feet high at the
shoulders and when upright on their hind legs, they may approach five or six
feet tall. Black bears are known to live up to about 20 years of age in the
wild. They are very agile, are good swimmers, climb trees very well, and
can run at speeds of up to 35 mph.
Philmont initiated very strict procedures to protect campers from
bears. When these procedures are rigorously followed, crews should not
have to worry. These procedures primarily relate to three general areas:
- Campsite Layout
- Bear Bag Use
- Personal Procedures
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