Dangers exist even in Bear Paws

There are no bears in the Bear Paw Mountains to speak of. However, as you plan your first camping trip, there are things to be wary and cautious of. Rattlesnakes, mountain lions and, during spring, fires can cause problems for any picnic or hike.

Rattlesnakes are very prevalent in some areas of the mountains and virtually nonexistent in others. A good rule of thumb is to know that when hiking or camping in the front range of the Bear Paws, rattlesnakes are a way of life on all four sides.

It used to be that there were definite areas of the mountains that were rattlesnake-free. The Faber School...