There are so many bears this year. Lots of snow and lots of berries. I've seen 4 on the highway already. I think we have been very close to bears but have only seen two on hikes. Lots of tracks. I use a leash all the time until we get to our destination which is usually a hanging valley or lake, somewhere surrounded by cliffs and out of the trees with a view of everything. Then I feel like we're safe enough to run free. This pic is piper pass yesterday and I think we were the first ones there this year. There were bear tracks all the way to the top of the very high col where the dog is sitting. I guess he was just out for a hike,
