Best Chance For Wildlife Kings Canyon?

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InsaneBoost
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Best Chance For Wildlife Kings Canyon?

Post by InsaneBoost »

Going to be taking a family member to Kings Canyon tomorrow and was wondering where the best place or places are for wildlife. I've only been once and that was in early February so the Park was mainly closed off.

I've heard it's the better place to see bears between it and Yosemite.

Thanks for any help.
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AlmostThere
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Re: Best Chance For Wildlife Kings Canyon?

Post by AlmostThere »

The Lakes Trail or Twin Lakes - the positioning of the Lodgepole campground raises the probability of bears on the road or on these two trails. We often see bear on the trail from Wolverton to Alta or to Pear Lake. Also in spring we hear and see grouse around that elevation.

I also almost walked into a bear on the way back from Mist Falls - they use the trails and bear poop is a common occurence on the trail into Paradise Valley.

Lower elevations are really hot right now - early early mornings and plenty of water help.
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evilgenius32
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Best Chance For Wildlife Kings Canyon?

Post by evilgenius32 »

Agree with AT. The Lodgepole area is a great place to see bears. Lots of bear scat on the trails and we ran into one ~3 miles from the TH.
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InsaneBoost
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Re: Best Chance For Wildlife Kings Canyon?

Post by InsaneBoost »

You all nailed it. Saw five bears, three of them cubs. Got some really awesome pictures and a cub was really showing off. Sitting on a log and looking at everyone. Some people literally got within touching distance. Not so sure that's a good idea. But momma bear didn't seem to be mad at all so I guess they lucked out. I won't be doing that ever.

Thanks again
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evilgenius32
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Best Chance For Wildlife Kings Canyon?

Post by evilgenius32 »

Sounds like you had a great time! Any pictures?
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maverick
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Re: Best Chance For Wildlife Kings Canyon?

Post by maverick »

InsaneBoost wrote:
Some people literally got within touching distance.
Sheesh, when will people ever learn, these animals are wild and not your teddy
bears that you grew up with. :\
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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InsaneBoost
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Re: Best Chance For Wildlife Kings Canyon?

Post by InsaneBoost »

evilgenius32 wrote:Sounds like you had a great time! Any pictures?
I got quite a few, I'll post the one I think is best tomorrow. We literally were there from 8am until about 8pm. Just got in a bit ago.
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InsaneBoost
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Re: Best Chance For Wildlife Kings Canyon?

Post by InsaneBoost »

maverick wrote:
InsaneBoost wrote:
Some people literally got within touching distance.
Sheesh, when will people ever learn, these animals are wild and not your teddy
bears that you grew up with. :\
Yeah no kidding. I always make sure to get ahead of them by a good 20+ yards to get a good angle, then enough time to move out of the way to give them enough space.

Guess their iPhones couldn't get close enough :eek:
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InsaneBoost
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Re: Best Chance For Wildlife Kings Canyon?

Post by InsaneBoost »

Here are two photos of the cubs. I'll mess with other photos later tonight and tomorrow possibly.

Image
Image
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