Wow. During both of my visits at the Visitors Center to pick up my permits this year, I've chatted with the rangers on duty. Both times they've brought up the heavy bear activity at the Portal this year. As of mid-July, they had already had the average number of bear incidents for an entire year, with half of a busy hiking season to go. They seemed genuinely concerned, but also noted that it seemed to be the same four or five bears every time.
When we were staying at the Portal, there were a pair of bears that were running around before dark checking the trashcans. People thought it was great, and were following them around taking their pictures. Not a good situation for the people, or the bears, if you ask me.
