Living and recreating responsibly in bear country

By Karissa Huntsman Reader Contributor

If you live and recreate in North Idaho, you’re in bear country. As the seasons are changing, bears are emerging from hibernation, and are active from April 1 to Nov. 30. Idaho is home to both black and grizzly bears, so it’s important for both recreationists and people who live in areas with bears to know how to avoid an encounter.

If you live in an area with bears, there are many precautions you can take to keep your families, livestock and pets safe. It is imperative that you are aware of what scents could attract bears to your space. Trash, pet food and other scented attractants should be kept in a secure location, like your garage or shop. Grills and barbecues should be kept clean of food and grease, and also stored in a secure location when not in use. Bird feeders act as an easy food source for bears, and should be put away until Dec. 1. You never want to feed a bear, neither intentionally nor accidentally.

When it comes to livestock, beehives, gardens, orchards, berry patches and compost piles, it is important to construct a barrier between them and bears. Electric fencing is highly effective in keeping bears out of these spaces. Dead livestock should be disposed of inside a boneyard that is protected by electric fencing or through sanitation services.

If you are recreating in bear country, there are many things you can do to keep everyone safe. First, adventure with friends. A good rule of thumb is to hike and camp in groups of two or more. Sixty-three percent of bear attacks worldwide between 2000 and 2015 occurred when the victim was alone. As you hike with your friends, talk to one another and make noise. Most bear attacks are defensive, and bears are less likely to get near humans if they know they are there. Making noise is especially important near streams or dense vegetation, where it might be harder for a bear to notice someone approaching. If you are alone, shout something like, “Hey bear!” at least once every two to three minutes.

Food, personal hygiene products, trash and other scented things all act as bear attractants. They should be properly stored in a bear-resistant canister. These canisters are made with heavy duty material and screw-top lids that are difficult for bears to open. When camping they should be stored 100 yards from your campsite.

If you have a dog along for an adventure in bear country, it should be kept leashed. Dogs that are unleashed may run ahead on the trail and come across an unsuspecting bear. You don’t want your dog to have that encounter, or to have that bear chase the dog back to you. Keeping your dog leashed is the best way to prevent accidental conflicts.

Lastly, carry bear spray. Check your spray’s expiration date before you go, and make sure that your canister is accessible while you’re out — not tucked away in a backpack. Spray low, in one sweeping motion in front of you, and be aware of the direction of the wind so that the spray doesn’t immediately waft back to you. The Idaho Conservation League offers “bear aware” and bear spray training to the community and is happy to present to local groups who may be interested.

Bears usually do not want to encounter you any more than you want to encounter them. Living and recreating in bear country comes with responsibility. By planning ahead and preparing,

Tennis tourney, walk-a-thon and raffle to raise funds for ALS services

By Reader Staff

When a group of local women learned that one of their friends and fellow tennis players had received a diagnosis of ALS, they went beyond well wishes and sympathy — they organized a fundraiser to support services for those in the community suffering from the disease.

“Our dear friend has done so much for this community in regards to her nursing career, where she helped so many others who were sick, as well as raised two beautiful daughters here, so we wanted this event to not only honor her and her achievements but also bring the community together for a good cause,” said Carol Curtis, one of the event organizers.

The All In For ALS Tennis Tournament, walk-a-thon and raffle is set for Saturday, May 27, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Travers Park (2016 Pine St., in Sandpoint).

Participants are invited to join the walk-a-thon around Travers Park at any time and walk as many laps as they choose. “No pressure — just fun,” organizers stated.

The tennis tournament will be a point-based quick game format called “fast four.” It’s a 32-player maximum, so participants are encouraged to make their reservations as soon as possible. The cost is $50 for the tennis tournament and $20 for walking ($30 for a family). T-shirts will be handed out to participants, as well.

All proceeds will benefit the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter, the local branch of the nationwide organization that provides critical resources for those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — a nervous system disease that affects cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing the gradual degeneration of muscle control necessary for mobility, speaking, eating and breathing. Medical science has yet to identify the specific cause of the disease, which grows worse over time, and there is no cure — yet.

The benefit is a grassroots endeavor, in which event planning expenses and prizes are being covered by donations from local businesses and community members.

“ALS is a deal-breaker, and this clearly called for more than a potluck fundraiser or bake sale,” said Wendy McWalter, who brainstormed the idea of this fundraiser. “We wanted to make sure that whatever we were able to raise would benefit our community — with funds going to a local organization providing local support to local people. It’s also about our dear friend on her journey; to tell her that we, and the community, love her.” knowing the area and practicing these bear-aware behaviors, you can lessen the chances of encountering a bear on your next hike or camping trip. Using these preventative measures, we can avoid conflict between people and bears — ensuring enough room and safety for people and bears alike.

Those wishing to make a donation can do so online or show up on May 27 to check out the raffle baskets. For more information, visit bit.ly/421Iizb.

Checks or cash donations will also be accepted at the event.

BO

Shea’s library board win a defeat for ‘extremism’…

Dear editor, Reason, common sense and the First Amendment won last Tuesday when Susan Shea was re-elected to the library board. Defeating anti-constitutional extremism and usurpers from out of state.

Bouquets:

•Here’s a Bouquet to the cast and crew of Into the Woods, produced by Lake Pend Oreille Repertory Theatre. Cadie and I attended on May 19 and both remarked how amazing everyone did with this intricate musical.

•Carolyn Gleason and her army of volunteers receive a Bouquet this week for their tireless efforts promoting and organizing the annual Lost in the ’50s weekend in Sandpoint. It’s always a singular experience to see downtown Sandpoint transformed during the car show and parade.

Barbs:

• Barbs to this guy for taking up four parking spots on a busy Saturday in Sandpoint. Who parks like this and thinks it’s OK?

Don’t be this guy:

•There’s a special place in Cleveland reserved for people who commit what I consider one of the biggest sins, which is revising history to suit their own needs. I’ve been a history buff all my life and once even majored in it during college. Authors like Howard Zinn made a splash with books like A People’s History of the United States, which analyzed historical events not from the victor’s perspective, but from the vanquished, but all of the facts were indeed facts, not inventions. It seems we at the Reader get a similar email about once a month in which the author tries to convince us that the United States was founded as a Christian nation. With such limited space to make a point, the resounding answer is no, America wasn’t founded as a Christian nation. If it was, I highly doubt the Founders would have included in the following words in the very First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion...” views and opinions over the narrow views of the extremists.

Plato said, “The price of apathy is to be ruled by evil men.” We have been ruled by evil men (and women) for quite a while. Maybe the results of this election are a tiny ray of hope that the majority are finally waking up to this reality. We can only hope this is so.

Lawrence Fury Sandpoint

Dear editor, Destruction and contention could not have been the legacy James E. Russel intended, and yet here we are talking about bulldozing irreplaceable public space, killing shade trees and breaking down an awesome playground. There exists safety, openness and beauty where a guardian can simultaneously watch multiple kids swinging, skating and playing baseball — don’t drop a warehouse on all of that. This would only be a victory for a hasty few compared to the thousands who love the park the way it is.

Save Travers Park!

Jodi Rawson Sandpoint

Dear editor,

Dear Ms. Gleason, thank you for another great weekend at Lost in the ’50s. As usual, all went off on schedule and the weather could not have been better. The entertainment was memorable and what a display of classic cars on Saturday. And let’s not forget all the volunteers that made this event possible.

Bill Litsinger Sandpoint

Dear editor, I’m delighted that Shea won in the library trustee election, but deeply disappointed that only 30.74% of the registered voters bothered to show up at the polls for this very important election. We are a representative democracy that currently is being dominated by a tiny minority of people. This is not what the Founding Fathers envisioned for our new republic.

I’m encouraged by the fact that the challenger was defeated by an 18% margin.

This could mean that thoughtful people are beginning to assert their

A cynical joke going around said, “When asked how he felt about the ignorance and apathy displayed in this campaign. The response was, ‘Don’t know and don’t care!’” We must overcome this mind set or we will continue to be ruled by evil people.

Gil Beyer Sandpoint

‘An example for all of us…’

Dear editor,

I purchased two pairs of glasses about a year and a half ago before moving from Sandpoint to Eugene, Ore. This week I received a refund check from Pend Oreille Vision Care, reimbursing me for money I had paid them and then was later paid to them by my health insurance.

The astounding staff did the detective work, sniffing around town to pick up my tracks. They found me! What a great example of integrity, professionalism and honesty.

Sandra Deutchman

Eugene, Ore.

‘Don’t believe the propaganda’…

Dear editor,

Here’s to our unsung heroes who serve, without an agenda and for no pay, on community boards for our sewer, water, libraries, bike associations, conservation groups and hospitals. I’ve seen firsthand the amount of work that goes into managing budgets, studying other communities, considering public input and planning. It’s a lot of work, particularly with all the high growth in our county.

So, why are these board seats sometimes hotly contested? Why yard signs, texts and flyers?

A small group seeks to concentrate power, control the narrative and drag national culture wars to North Idaho. They distract through fear with claims of porn in the libraries and a lurking cabal of liberal devils. Visit our libraries. There is no porn, just a joyful learning atmosphere.

This is not a battle of good vs. evil. It’s a battle to consolidate control into the hands of a few ambitious people. And they are activating good, God-fearing people to do their bidding.

Idahoans are fiercely independent. Don’t let a small group of people control us, stir up neighbors to hate and drain our tax dollars with frivolous lawsuits. Don’t believe the propaganda. We protected Bonner County from the distractors in this election. Let’s keep protecting it.

Kathryn Larson Sagle

Tests, compliance laws and other restrictions needed for gun ownership…

Dear editor,

People who relish their hobby as gun enthusiasts are as dedicated as other hobbyists, such as motorcyclists, golfers, target shooters, bowlers, etc. But, if Americans have a chance to stop mass shootings, gun owners need to join the demand for stricter controls over gun ownership. Because a motorized vehicle can be a lethal weapon, this nation has agreed it is a privilege, not a right, to operate one. Tests and compliance to laws are mandatory. This is the 21st century — not the 1700s. Ownership of a deadly weapon needs to have restrictions:

•Persons convicted of a felony, domestic violence or under observation for mental problems should not own a weapon;

•Lock boxes are mandatory for parents whose child has disciplinary problems or the parents may be liable for their child’s actions;

•All persons under 21 purchasing their first weapon should be required to take weapon safety classes. (Unless they are members of our military forces);

•A mandatory minimum three-day waiting period should be enforced for all weapon purchases;

•Large capacity magazines for all weapons should be eliminated — 10 rounds is enough;

•Ban the sale of weapons without background checks. This includes gun shows and one person who sells to another, or the seller may be held liable.

•If gun owners and the NRA would get behind the restrictions listed above, they would receive more respect. And, perhaps, this great nation that we all love so much would be a safer place to live.

James Richard Johnson Clark Fork

‘Spoiled children’…

Dear editor, In case you missed the last West Bonner County School Board meeting, it was an excellent example of what happens when the light of Truth shines too brightly. We the people spoke and voted down the levy, but some could not accept it. Pointing fingers and screaming idiocies, they reviled and said all manner of evil, falsely.

As it is said in the Bible, God’s holy word:

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Our school board sat quietly and honorably. They had allowed people to vote on the levy, but confidence in our schools is rightly lacking. It didn’t turn out the way some wanted and they didn’t want to accept it. They looked for someone to blame. Like spoiled children that are denied their lollipops, they stomped and cried out. Their true selves were demonstrated. You were lucky if you missed this show.

Maureen Paterson Priest River

Where are you from?…

Dear editor,

I find it interesting some people move to North Idaho and, after just a couple years, they become experts on what it takes to be a real Idahoan — someone with real Idaho values. A good number of these “instant experts” happen to be from California, like the current leader of the local Republican Party. Evidently, he thinks lying about native Idahoans is a good value, because that’s how he won the primary election in 2022.

I would like to know how long the members of the Bonner County Republican Central Committee have lived here. In fact, I believe all political letters to the editor should include how long the writer has lived in North Idaho.

Maybe instead of bad mouthing and lying about people who have lived here a long time, they could keep their mouth shut, and learn how we got along just fine before they ever showed up.

Steve Johnson Sagle, my home since 1957