I looked up on the hillside of Teton National Forest and there he was – a big, black bear strutting across the steep slope as confident as can be. The highlight of the trip so far (for me, at least.) I have always wanted to see a bear in its natural habitat and what luck to glance up and see him!

It is now three days later, and I have seen four black bears – one as close as 50′ away, in the brush. I was in the car, peeking through the sunroof like an ostrich. The bear pictured below was farther away, but definitely recognizable!

As excited as I have been to see them in the daylight, when night falls I’m a scared little kitten. ‘Be Bear Aware’ the signs say. No bottles, toiletries, coolers, etc. to attract a bear – any scent will do it. What if he smells me? I think I smell quite tasty – would he come to my tent for a sniff and a bite?

My solution for these nighttime fears is a bottle of Spotted Cow – it soothes the nerves.