Guns versus bear spray

[wildWoman]

We had this question just the other day in one thread. Check out http://"http://www.cbc.ca/technology...earspray.html"

After researching aggressive bear behaviour incidents in Alaska, the statistics pan out the following way: bear spray stopped aggressive behaivour, including attacks, in 92% of the cases. Guns only in 67%.
Pack your spray, folks, the bears will be up and around soon - or in some regions, they are already.

[BraggSurvivor]

I use bear bangers, either 12 guage or 22cal and rubber bullets. If they come back after Ive cleaned things up and Ive used the bangers/rubber bullets, I have no choice but to shoot them. Relocating them isnt an option.

Sad.

[Rick]

Wow! That's interesting. It's counter-intuitive to me but I'm not doubting you. Wonder what the success rate is if you use both AND throw rocks?

[canid]

probably over 99% rick.

i think the draw of firearms for bear protection amounts to a psychological desire to have substantial and/or lethal force to cope with an internally exaggerated threat.

i admit it makes me feel safer.

[Rick]

I'm the last guy in the world that wants to meet up with one. My brain tells me one thing but it's hard to argue when your feet are already running.

[BraggSurvivor]

The bears are already up around here WW. I'm gonna spend the weekend cleaning up and bear proofing the place. Dogs have been barking half the night so they are out and hungry.

[wildWoman]

We have a friend who works with bears, shoots bear safety videos with wild bears and sets up bear viewing programs etc. He (and don't sue ME over this!!) swears by throwing rocks if all else fails.

[canid]

it works, relatively often. can't fault what works. if i had nothing else to hand, or if i had a back-up plan, i'd do it.

[wildWoman]

The bears are already up around here WW. I'm gonna spend the weekend cleaning up and bear proofing the place. Dogs have been barking half the night so they are out and hungry.

Shouldn't be too much longer here either, we've had the weirdest weather for the past 6 weeks, basically April temperatures. Still have to hook up the electric fencing. We had a total crop failure of kinnikinnick berries last summer over huge areas, so I'm interested to see if that'll have any effect on the bears. Seems to be always one of their favourite foods after hibernation.

[BraggSurvivor]

I agree, it's the ones that "hang around" that are the problems. If im out walking and come across a bear, usually a good holler does the trick.

[canid]

and reenforces their distrust of humans, helping to decrease the chance they'll become humanized.

[Rick]

If I'm up there and run into a bear it will sort of tie this thread and the toilet paper thread together.

[canid]

yeah. wait... what was that thread supposed to be about again?

[Catfish]

Haven't seen any evidence of bear here yet, but there have been an astonishing number of birds-that-we-don't-see-till-spring out and about over the last few days.

[Excalibur]

I dunno whats the range on that bear spray, im planning a trip next summer and if I can sub the pistols with spray im all for it (easier to explain to rangers) but with my rear up on the line i want to make sure

[canid]

up o 25' with some sprays i've seen. anything over 10' is out of reach and it doesn't take a second for the stuff to take effect.

[BraggSurvivor]

I dunno whats the range on that bear spray, im planning a trip next summer and if I can sub the pistols with spray im all for it (easier to explain to rangers) but with my rear up on the line i want to make sure

No pistols in Prince George my friend. (pellet pistols are allowed under 1000'ps)

[Excalibur]

exactly my point if i can trade firearms for spray il all for it

[BraggSurvivor]

Check out bear bangers, better distance and multi purpose (signaling, bear deterant and emergency fire starter) better priced. also easy to pack and carry. My kids do not play outside without them.

http://www.signal-flares.com/shells_and_cartridges.htm

[beerrunner13]

down here the bears are out and very active, we can't hunt them so they are all over in the forest. When we camp I will always have the spray on me or in the tent, but the .45 is near by, I do agree the spray is effective at once, at least on the blackies and there are no griz to worry about.