Bear Canister

I haven't seen this issue addressed yet, but maybe I missed it. How does one find a misplaced bear canister?

First there is the issue of the bear banging it around and leaving it behind a bush. Then there is the more likely chance of someone as clumsy as myself setting it somewhere only to have it roll down a hill into a clump of tall grass. Of ourse there is the possibility of someone helping themselvs to another's food canister, either as a practical joke or maliciously.

I was thinking of one of these. It's a key finder with a 300 foot range that weighs less than an ounce. What other options are people using? Or is no one else as clumsy as me?

I place my close enough that I can hear if anything gets after it or into a space between some rocks that a bear would have a hard time getting to it. But then there was one time where the deer kept circling camp, had a few drops of greenish deer slobber on my canister the next morning.
Duane

I haven't tried it, but I've read about striping the canister with fluorescent orange paint or tape to make it easier to find. I actually have never had a bear or raccoon (the main problem on the Olympic NP coast) come around to cause problems.

I put mine in a tree well so it won't roll far. In alpine I try to find the equivalent, a niche in the granite slab where it won't roll far.

When I read your thread, my very first thought was "use a key finder!", however, My last canister, I wrapped two pieces of reflective tape around the circumference, (in casae it's really overcast out), and two pieces of bright orange duct tape around it, and put a small X of neon green paint on the top. NO-ONE wants to meass with that ugly beast.

Ditto, mine's set in camp so I see it. I have had Yosemite bears come to my camp, look at my bear can sitting there and turn and go off towards someone else's camp....:)

That's been my experience, too, hehe. Experienced and smart, those bears.

I'm plenty clumsy. Just might get me one of those for both backpacking AND urban applications.

Every time I stuff one in my pack--they never go in easily--I want to put wheels on it and pull it behind me on a rope like a kid's toy truck.

Cheers,

They have gps dog collars so hunters can find their dogs, that is about the only thing and way too expensive. Try hanging it like a bag and mark the tree, or tie it to a tree. Seriously though, how often do you get animals walking off with the canister?...you in Yellowstone or Yosemite? I have always used a bear line and a bag. It takes a bit more time, but is lighter and I never lose it...that is unless it is a really motivated and smart bear.

Canisters are required in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, so a bag and line is not an option

Canisters are also required in Rocky Mountain and Grand Teton National Parks, and in an increasing number of sites in Olympic National Park. North Cascades National Park is phasing in mandatory use of bear canisters starting this year. There are some areas of the Adirondacks where they are also required, and the Bear Vault is a no-no there because at least one bear has learned how to open it. There is also a short section of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia where canisters are now required, but it's easy for thru-hikers to hike through this short stretch in a day. Those are the ones I know about; I'm sure there are others!

It has always been a close race between human technology and the amazing learning capacity of bears (most of whom are "smarter than your average bear"). Containers that 30 years ago were considered "bear-proof" are long since gone!

I know that canisters are required in several locations, but the op never mentioned he hikes those areas. I live in Az, so I don't know anyone who uses them or needed one. I am just surprised to hear that losing it is a regular problem, versus a once in a long time problem. I would get a silnylon or mesh bag big enough to hold the canister and hang it. Even if it is just from a branch...or you can get a portable car alarm and use your key fob.