Stalking the Wild Huckleberry

I live in huckleberry heaven.  Until about a year ago I had managed to walk the planet without ever having tasted this tasty cousin of the blueberry that thrives in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

Huckleberries are everywhere in northern Idaho.  They are slightly more tart than a blueberry and have a few more seeds to give them a crunchy texture.  They're ubiquitous in farm markets, grocery stores and souvenir shops throughout the region mostly in the form of jams, jellies, BBQ sauce, pies, syrup, candy and my absolute favorite, ICE CREAM.  Not cultivated commercially, these little gems can only be picked in the wild during late summer or early fall.  It's also important to note that they are also a main food source for a wide range of animals including: deer, rodents and…GRIZZLY BEARS!

YUM!

Huckleberries are the favorite food of grizzlies and constitute up to 1/3 of their diet.  This is something to keep in mind should you entertain thoughts of grabbing a pail and heading for an afternoon of berry picking in the mountains.  One third of an 800 pound bear's diet has to be one hell of a lot of huckleberries! I'm guessing that these little beauties serve as a dessert reward after a long day of snarfing salmon and trout from local lakes and streams,  (It probably also helps fight bear breath.)

Born to ride

I bring all of this to your attention as a safety measure should you decide, like me, to spend some time this summer with a bucket in a huckleberry patch.  In the interest of self preservation I plan on packing a couple of pounds of bacon and a unicycle when I head for the hills.  If needed, the pork product should momentarily distract Mr. (or is it Ms?) bear while I go for the unicycle.  If you've ever been to a circus you are well aware that bears simply cannot resist getting on those one-wheeled contraptions.  The ursine buffoons are mad about them and will ride them for hours.  At least that is my theory.  I also hear good things about bears and juggling.

If these distractions fail it would be wise to simply offer the bear your berries as you share a friendly "get to know you" in the woods.  Rumor has it that the picnic may take a while but be patient and allow the bear all the time he or she need to become satisfied.  Much like making love with a gorilla, it ain't over until the very large critter says so.

"Please, sit down and share your delicious huckleberries with me."