I've been giving a bear cage some thought. My bears don't seem like they want to tear the camera up, just look at it and knock it down. They leave it alone after it's down. So I am looking at a cage that will give some protection against casual clawing, biting and a lot of impact resistance (like a football helmet).

Since it is accessed from the bottom, the bottom needs to be open.

It should be inexpensive to build and being able to build it without metl working tools is a plus for members that are tool challenged

Here's the idea and if I can get time, I'll make one next week. Painting and camo is unmentioned because everyone knows it needs to be done.

Cut a piece of 4" PVC pipe (Schedule 80 if you can get it) an inch or so longer than the camera.

Mark off for an opening for the lens and LED's (and associated sensors).

Cut the opening with a jig saw.

Mark the back for the strap slots.

Wrap the camera in a baggie and position in the case so the strap slots align and there is an inch of clearance behind the camera.

Give the back and sides a healthy squirt of expanding foam insulation.

Let it set up and use a knife to remove the excess in the bottom.

Take the camera out and you should have a custom fit.

Use the knife to open the strap holes and clean up the opening in front.

Put a cap on top, thread the strap through the case and camera and your ready to attach it to the tree.

Any thoughts?

Sounds good to me. You could drill some holes to fit a Python cable lock and cinch it to a tree.

Should work.... Good Idea

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Dave,
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That was going to be phase 2. I'd like to come up with a down and dirty bark grip on the back so you could adjust the angle easily and the python holes.

I was thinkin of the 4" pvc and using liquid nails and real treebark after cutting out the holes. Stick a 4" round piece of wood on the top and anchor it to the ground (somehow). It would look like a small stump or blown over tree. Make it about 24"-30" tall. Could use one of those small screw in dog anchor thingys and strap it down from the inside. Or just a spike in the bottom. Would have to make a hinge in the back for access.

The only thing I think you should try is to see if the bears like the smell of the foam. If they like it, you know what will happen!!! Put a foam bait pile out first to see if they like or dislike it.

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this sounds like a great idea.. I have a buddy that lives in prime bear country and will see if he knows about the foam.. may even get him to try it. Let me know how the design works out for mounting to a tree.. the only thing I can see that would be a pain would be the round pipe against a round tree trunk.. I think it might be a bit wiggly.

This may sound cruel to some but: You could put a few sharp roofing nails pointing outward in the liquid nails. A sharp poke in the paw or snout may deter further damage especially with a bear.