I do solo wilderness camping. Will often go days without seeing another person. AMA.

Had lots of animal encounters. The worst are bears that just won't leave. Had to change campsites once when a bear used my tent at a trampoline at 4 in the afternoon (I was not in it) and he took some very serious encouragement before he just kind of wandered off. Decided to pack up and move in case he decided to come back at 2 in the morning for a repeat performance.

Got between a momma bear and one of her cubs once which is supposed to be the most dangerous. A cub was behind me and the mom (and a second cub in front). I did not see the one behind me and was perplexed that mom did not leave. (The cub ran a good distance away and watched me from behind a tree - cutest thing ever).

The problem was the bear was on the trail. I tried to push it off by walking towards it (had my bear spray out, I am not that brave) and when that did not work, I just walked in a long arch off trail around it. As I was just off the trail the cub behind me ran by to his mom.

/r/casualiama Thread Parent