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normally docile creatures who have, in the past, had an abundance of food in the high mountain peaks. However, due to the fact that more and more towns are springing up in the high country, their habitat has been greatly diminished. At about three years of age, a male cub will leave his mother. He has to locate a suitable "territory" consisting of about 25 square miles. He competes with other males for the dwindling amount of available woodlands. Because the stakes are so high, there is a certain segment of the bear population who are "rogue bears." These bears, either because of lack of experience or lack of physical stature, have been kicked out of their potential domains by more-dominant males. They might be grumpy, and they are usually VERY hungry. When bears like these make their way into campgrounds and emerging towns, a confrontation can be catastrophic.

WOW. My son and I had a lot to learn! After being fully oriented with regard to the fact that campers needed to store all food in a locked car after meals, (in the trunk, since bears were most assuredly strong enough to break windows), and that, campers who had entered the area on foot or on a bike would need to hang their food at least six feet high in a tree that was ten feet away from their tent, we were given additional information:

"How do campers protect themselves against a cougar or bear when they are hiking?" they asked us. It turns out that size matters! A family hiking with small children need to keep within five feet of one another. If they meet a bear coming up the path, it is best to keep their eyes on him, back up and off the pathway while huddled together in one unit. Their combined stature presents a more formidable presence to both bear and cougar. In the case of the cougar, however, noise also matters. The tallest member of the "huddle" should begin flapping his arms and the entire group should begin making noise, when confronting a cat. Cats are opportunists. They want the easier prey and are used to "stalking" them, rather than fighting for the opportunity to eat.

There were other incidentals we had to learn. It was our responsibility to greet each camper and inform them of the "rules." It was also our job to clean the fire pits and rake empty campsites in preparation for the next campers. After the rangers left, my son and I discussed these issues. The rangers had mentioned they wished we had a dog with us and admonished us to remain at each other's side at all times, due to my son's

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