Rangers in Shenandoah National Park are reporting unusually high bear activity this spring, particularly around popular shelters like Bearfence Mountain Hut and Blackrock Hut. Multiple food hang failures have been reported, and one bear has become habituated to human food after several hikers failed to properly secure their supplies. All hikers must use the bear poles at shelters and practice proper food storage techniques. Do not hang food from trees as bears in this section have learned to defeat most hanging systems. Rangers are actively patrolling and will cite hikers for improper food storage. Consider carrying a bear canister if you plan to tent camp between shelters in this section.