Bear attack of hammock camper last night in GSMNP

[MDSH]

Bears need to associate humans with pain.

Once saw a report that rangers at Yellowstone harass bears with non-lethal slugs.

[Chum!]

I hear bear is delicious.

[Carver]

Bears need to associate humans with pain.

Once saw a report that rangers at Yellowstone harass bears with non-lethal slugs.

A poorly placed non-lethal round resulted in bear death so that they were then outlawed. Spud guns were then used without the brass being notified.

[GreatBigDave]

... Spud guns were then used ...

Isn't shooting food at the bear kinda' sending the wrong message? <slingblade>mmm-mm fresh fired 'taters</slingblade>

[Tree Hangers]

WOW I hope he's ok ,Not too offen but just like crazy people there will be that one crazy bear that doesnt get the memo. Be careful, be safe and know stuff does happen even if you do everything right . Shame , Prayers

[Bonepile]

And now at the other side of our state we have shark attacks. Here in the Piedmont it's ticks we worry about.

[dakotaross]

I think the better question is how many people didnt do everything right before they came a long. I bet that bear was a habitual visitor to the campsite.

OR, maybe its the proliferation of hikers/campers in bear territory properly hanging their food, which a bear may not be able to get to, but they can still smell it no matter how well protected. Not to mention that such odors are disbursed throughout bear territory by being hoisted high into the breeze. Scents are going to carry as far if only at ground level (typically).

Or, maybe its just random.

[Five Tango]

The impression I have gotten is that the father was brave and the young man is recovering nicely so that's the good news.Not trying to guess anything about how the victim smelled to the bear.Had it been me in his place the bear would have likely smelled some hand sanitizer,40% Deet on some clothing,and some citronella based skeeter repellent on my ears and hands etc.The question I have is how much odors from sanitizers and repellents would attract a bear.It's my understanding the even Chapstick and toothpaste can so is there really anything out there that doesn't?

[sargevining]

The impression I have gotten is that the father was brave and the young man is recovering nicely so that's the good news.Not trying to guess anything about how the victim smelled to the bear.Had it been me in his place the bear would have likely smelled some hand sanitizer,40% Deet on some clothing,and some citronella based skeeter repellent on my ears and hands etc.The question I have is how much odors from sanitizers and repellents would attract a bear.It's my understanding the even Chapstick and toothpaste can so is there really anything out there that doesn't?

The bear would associate any human smell with food. All of those smells you listed would be around the permanent campsite. In fact, there would be a concentration of smells at that site after a few hundred people have slept there.

The problem is with the campsite. It concentrates human activity, and the associated smells and tastes, in one spot that rewards the bear with food almost every time he visits.

EDIT TO ADD:

It is possible (if not probable) that the good habits of these guys is what got the bear looking for food under a tarp with a person under it after not finding it elsewhere at the campsite.

[Five Tango]

Let me rephrase the question.How much of an attractant would citronella based repellent be vs.Deet based repellents?
Citronella smells sorta "fruity" to me but I am not a bear so how would I know?!