Two years abo there were two biologists up here that were collecting soil samples and a mine and were attacked/mauled by a black bear. Both had bear spray, both were well trained in the use of it, and both were able to deploy it into the face of the bear at point blank range. One of the biologists was killed and the other one was severely mauled, but lived to tell the story. From the investigation that was conducted, it was determined that the bear and gone into a predatory mode and had snuck up on the two from behind when the attack occurred. I think, as the story goes, when troopers went to investigate and attempt to dispatch the bear, they found, and killed it at the scene where it was feeding on the biologist. I believe that if a bear is looking to kill you, regardless of whether it's a black or brown bear, a can of bear spray is next to useless. I know that I would much rather be pointing a fully loaded high power handgun at a charging bear, than pointing a fully loaded can of spray.
Don't believe that for a minute, and hopefully you'll never have to find out whether or not that's true.
It wasn't our first choice, but our only one. The place we were at were anti hunter. We didnt go back.
nothing better for all then a wounded problem bear running around.
)
Oh, I completely agree, there are no guarantees. A buddy of mine was fishing on a very popular stream about 20 miles outside of Anchorage while a curious brown bear was milling around on the bank, when the bear approached my buddy, he shot it in the face with spray from a few yards away. The bear turned away, went up into the grass and wiped his face for a couple minutes, then came back down to mill around some more. Having no more means of self defense, my buddy packed up and left. I just don't have a whole lot of faith in bear spray. I absolutely believe it can work on a curious bear, just like a fence can work on a curious bear. I use an electric fence on Kodiak for just those instances, however, I have absolutely have no faith in either the fence or the spray on a charging bear, or a bear that is fully intent on trying to kill you. I've killed, or been involved in the killing of, 3 DLP brown bears and had I only of had bear spray in those two instances, it's my opinion that there's a very good chance I probably wouldn't be telling this story right now.
I’ve seen a few people talk about “people” being an issue way out there... like crazy people or just some mad hunters you bump ?
To me it's worth it. In Montana grizzlies are popping up in areas and expanding their range, so you never know. I'm also almost always by myself so I like to carry a can.
