Mt Whitney Zone Forums Thread Like Summary - Comfort Dogs in the Backcountry?

Well, just back from a couple days of hiking out of Onion Valley and want to share an interesting observation.

On Monday, I encountered a hiker just below the pass with a dog. I asked where she was heading and she responded, "Kearsarge Lakes." I mention that dogs are not allowed in the Nation Park. She responded by saying, the dog is a comfort dog, so it is okay.

I was flabbergasted.

And, the same situation on Tuesday with another hiker, with the same response.

I decided to stop by the Visitor's center on my way back home, but ran into two Forest Rangers, and they indicated that the only dogs allowed in the backcountry were guide dogs or service animals.

paul

comfort dogs seem unnecessary. the backcountry is already full of comfort marmots, comfort chipmunks, comfort mosquitos, comfort bears...

The study you referenced only looked at dogs in a heavily-utilized state park in North Carolina, where the native wildlife is probably already habituated to the presence of humans and dogs. The SEKI backcountry is a totally different environment. Additionally, that study mentions evidence from Europe that dogs do have an impact on the wild fauna when they accompany their owners on hikes and camping trips. As for the “dog haters,” many of those who enjoy the SEKI wilderness are likely dog owners; they just chose to leave their dogs at home when they visit the backcountry. As for your argument regarding the early humans traveling through the wilderness with dogs, those dogs helped those humans hunt for food and helped protect against predators. Other than service dogs, any dog hiking with their owner is only there for their owner’s comfort and enjoyment.

I’ve found that the NPS backcountry rangers are friendly and courteous; however their demeanor swiftly changes when they come across someone blatantly violating the rules for backcountry travel like dog scofflaws like yourself. They do write citations with fines attached, they will escort you (and your dog) out of the wilderness, and your transgression will be noted in the park rangers end-of-season report.

There’s plenty of National Forest and BLM land surrounding SEKI where you can hike and camp with your dog.