[vision-quest]

http://www.summitpost.org/alpine-lakes-wilderness/434639 This site mentions there being a small number of grizzly bears in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Is this true? I've never really heard of grizzlies up in the cascades.. I

[Ski]

and wolves! wonder if they spotted any unicorns up there too?

[vanzandt]

I saw a young griz up on the Sahale arm of the Cascade Pass hike back in 1998 -- reported it to the ranger on the way out who had me wait while she called one of the state wildlife biologists to interview me over the phone... asked me things like color, shape of the hump & muzzle, size, etc. The ranger and the biologist said a few people reported seeing what they thought was a griz up there that that season and the season prior. I've since read that they believe a small number have spread back over the BC boarder into the north cascades... but never heard of any sighted as far south as alpine lakes.

[Randito]

Well I don't know if there have been any confirmed Griz sightings south of US-2 (or HWY-20 for that matter)-- but a Griz is certainly capable of wandering that far south should they so choose.

[mtnman4ever]

If you see a bear in that area, look at the shoulders if are able to. The hump on the shoulder should just be huge and bulging out from the top. Thats an easy way in my opinion. But then again be mindful and get ready to protect yourself if needed

[wheatie]

There is some evidence there are a small number (or maybe just one visiting from Canada.. new smuggling operation?) of Grizzlies in the North Cascades. There are also Grizzlies in Northeastern Washington (for sure).

[wheatie]

[Kascadia]

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2015482252_grizzly02m.html

[suziq999]

We attended an informational talk from a forest ranger in Stehekin this weekend and she told us there are *2* confirmed (via DNA!?) grizzly bears in the north cascades.

[Rider]

Learn to identify the bears. http://westernwildlife.org/grizzly-bear-outreach-project/bear-identification/ Black bear scat: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Black_bear_scat.jpg

[Bedivere]

I have heard of Grizz prints being found as far South as Mt. Adams. Everything I've ever heard about them is that there are maybe a handful in the whole state and occasionally one roams down South. I think it's far more likely you'll see a wolf these days.

[vision-quest]

Interesting, thanks guys. I know how to identify a black bear or grizzly, I've just never seen any signs of a grizzly before in my limited hiking experience (so far) in the PNW.. just found it odd as I didn't think there were any grizzlies outside of Idaho/Montana/Wyoming in the lower 48. Obivously bears don't recognize borders between states, so it's not surprising for one to take a little trip over the boarder into Washington.

[vision-quest]

While we're at it, anyone spotted any signs of wolverines? I sure haven't, and never really expect to. Sure would be a rush though.

[mbravenboer]

There was a wolverine sighting at Buck Creek Pass, with a photo: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2013-06-23.6740896434 I've also seen reports of tracks, but they triggered discussion about what kind of animal it was. It seems hard to be sure just from tracks.

[vision-quest]

Wow how cool. I hope their numbers rise.. they are a really interesting animal.