I had a bit of excitement this afternoon . Elk hunting in the river bottom where I trap . Willows ,spruce and sloughs .Lots of Grizzly tracks in the snow ,I kept smelling castor but no beaver sign some places not in beaver habitat .I thought this is unusual to smell castor at all unless it is in my lure or castor container . There was no deer or elk sign at all but a few old moose tracks . I thought I am leaving here for better country ! A few minutes later here comes Mr Grizzly out of the spruce thicket(I saw him get up probably sleeping ) at about 25 yards heading straight for me .I shouted WHHHOOOO HA and threw up both arms in the air ,he made a 90 degree turn and left ! I had my rifle slung crossways behind my back because of climbing over some deadfall timber ,even if I had it in my hand I could never have got on him in time to help me if he hadn't turned . Could the castor smell have been the bears all along ? I have never been shot one so I do not know if they have that smell . The last time I was almost that close to one we were horseback and I don't remember that smell .

Never noticed that smell when I have been around them or skinning them. But they sure do enjoy eating beavers, so maybe it was eating one?

Maybe he rolled in one trying to smell good for the girls Was sitting in my tree stand this past year and got a wiff of something that smelled like my pig pen. A few minutes later out walked a brownie. For as much dead stuff that they eat surprise they dont stink alot worse. Glad it decided to turn and go the other way for you!

Thanks ,all is well that ends well .I hope you folks get lots of fur and are paid well for it . Tally Ho smith

I never smelled one that smelled like beaver but I usually loose one beaver a year to bears crusing the riverbanks before freeze up

Did you have any funny odors coming off you after that experience?

smalltimetrapper,I was remarkably calm with no mess to clean up ! I cannot imagine what you folks that are in the guiding business go through . Here it so wacky because they are protected and from what I have heard the wardens seem to really get into trying to make you into a violator . I can't believe they were not in our chicken house all these years because most people with chickens are pestered by them .That is ONE MINUTE in my life that I will not forget .Thanks Be To God