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 Fleece thong wearin, Buntzen Lurkin, mystic poet mountain man and international spokesman of the friends of the white squirrel society
Port Moody, B.C.
Canada
5942 Posts |
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Sechelt, B.C.
Canada
61 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2008 : 11:21 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by BCBoy
bear bangers are lighter than bear spray. they are fun to let off. they also double as flare launchers. you can also use the flares to light fires if necessary. i think its a better, more versatile option than spray -- especially if you're trying to keep your packweight low.
I'd have to disagree. Bear bangers have their uses, but are not as effective in a bear encounter as bear spray. |
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203 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2008 : 11:50 AM
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| Hey Halifax. There was a bear attack last year near Grande Prairie and the guy used a knife to fight back and killed the bear.A rare instance for sure but it obviously could have turned out differently if he had not had the knife. I carry no bear spray but I do carry a knife. |
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Sechelt, B.C.
Canada
61 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2008 : 11:44 AM
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Why not ask the experts?
Ranger's advice on bear attacks.
"Ranger Bob, what do I do in the event of a bear attack?"
"Use your bear spray,son,a blast of that right in the bear's face will stop any bear."
"But Ranger Bob, what if it doen'nt stop the bear?"
"Then son you have your hiking pole. You poke the bear in the eye with your hiking pole. (still another use for the hiking pole that should appeal to ultralighters) That'll stop him."
"But Ranger Bob, what if even that does'nt stop him?"
"OK, son, now is the time to reach behind you, grab a big lump of shit and throw it in the bear's face, blinding him."
"B-B-But Ranger Bob, what if there's no shit?"
"There'll be shit there boy,--there'll be shit!" |
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Stanwood, Washington
USA
314 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2008 : 1:46 PM
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I was told by a couple Park Rangers in the Spatzizi Plateau Park not to bring my rifled barreled shotgun because bear spray was just as effective. I shared a float plane with those rangers to Cold Fish Lake. We hiked together for a while but when we went our separate ways I noticed one of them pulled out his 20” rifled barrel shotgun as did I for the solo part of the trip in the alpine area.
I actually think bear spray is more effective and safe in a tent or in brushy country in close proximity with bears but not in the alpine areas or the open tundra way up north. Most grizzlies living in the brush or around spawning salmon will generally tolerate semi close proximity to people or other bears. However, this is not always the case in the alpine or tundra. Sometimes in the open areas of the north even three hundred yards is too close for a sow with cubs. This I know first hand and bear spray is not that effective against really agitated sows, at least this is what anecdotes tell me.
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
1461 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2008 : 2:31 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by gunthur
Hey Halifax. There was a bear attack last year near Grande Prairie and the guy used a knife to fight back and killed the bear.A rare instance for sure but it obviously could have turned out differently if he had not had the knife. I carry no bear spray but I do carry a knife.
I stand corrected; knives aren't useless. 
I wrote the story before of a tree planting foreman that fought off a bear repeatedly with a shovel while carrying an injured planter. Does this mean we should all carry shovels?
In Edge of Eden, Charlie Russel sprays a predatory bear that was attacking his cubs. The bear took off immediately. He'd done the same with equal effect a few times before with other bears. Bear spray is light, compact, effective and easy to use.
Carry a knife and bear spray; one on each hip. If the bear gets through the spray pull out the knife and go Crocodile Dundee on his ass. |
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Front Royal, VA
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2008 : 06:06 AM
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I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains with Black Bear visitors almost everyday during the summer, but I've backpacked and camped all over the Americas since I was two. I've had many encounters with the bruin kind. Grizzlies are territorial, will protect that territory, and are best avoided at all costs. Black bears are curious, avoid humans if possible, and in my experience are rarely dangerous if precautions are taken. We do take many precautions in our area in order to live with them peacefully and enjoy their presence in our wooded community.
I've been 3-15 feet from many a black bear just walking by. Some bears I would call friendly neighbors that bring their cubs/yearlings along, and some males have "bluffed" me. While hiking a few years ago, I accidently startled mother bear who sent her cubs up the closest white pine with loud clacking of her teeth. After I spoke calmly and softly and then (keeping a eye on her) pretended not to be too interested in her, she signaled the cubs to come down with a blow-huff. I find if I DON'T STARE at them and SPEAK CALMLY they realize I'm not a threat and not dinner, they leave me alone and continue on their merry way.
Please consider reading about the research on bears DIRECTLY from the researchers themselves, instead of anecdotal stories and hearsay. I recommend Dr Rogers at the North American Bear Center web site :
http://www.bear.org/website/Articles/ OR for Canadian park bears : http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/visit12_e.asp
Dr Rogers and the Park recommend using pepper spray for defense, but avoidance, of course, is the best.
My neighborhood friend pictured here, Smiley, and I thank you SO MUCH for desiring to enjoy the outdoors safely and to live peacefully with the wildlife.
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Edited by - BlackBear on 04/08/2008 07:52 AM |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
1461 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2008 : 09:06 AM
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 Great first post
Welcome BlackBear |
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Front Royal, VA
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2008 : 07:21 AM
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Thanks. Our Conservation Officer (formerly known as the Game Warden) says that we probably have 8 or more bears in our neighborhood at any given time! I saw Bubba, a 4-year old, about 400 lb, male in the backyard this morning. This boy is well-known for his bluffs. He looked kind of woozy; we call it a Hibernation Hangover!
I'm glad I don't live in an area with grizzlies. We are planning a trip to Nova Scotia for next summer. I love scottish fiddling almost as much as hiking. |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
181 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2008 : 08:32 AM
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I carry a shotgun with me on some trips, but I also always have bear spray.
I think one thing wortth considering is that we are in the bears territory. Seldom will a bear attack for no reason. They will also (as pointed out by others) bluff charge a percieved threat in many circumstances.
If I can deter a threatning bear with an effective but non-lethal method, I think that is far preferable to either killing (or possibly worse yet) severely injuring one that is just doing what comes naturally.
An injured bear is far more dangerous to those who follow into the wilderness, a bear sprayed bear has (hopefilly) learned a valubale lesson to give humans a wide berth.
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vancouver, BC
Canada
50 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2008 : 12:37 PM
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| I never carry any protection when hiking other then a knife but i dont plan on cutting any bears soon i have only met about 8 black bears and they always just run off i have never been attacked but the reason people get attacked is because the try and get in close for a photo and bam the bear charges my moto is leave them alone and they will leave you alone. |
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Hope, BC
Canada
7132 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2008 : 2:26 PM
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A BFK is just a last resort, if you have other alternatives use them first. Of course bears aren't the only thing up there, there is more dangerous animals. I don't carry alternatives, so my only resort is my last resort, in the worst case scenario.
For example:
I think I'd kill a cougar attacking me rather easily with a bfk. But only if it was on me or already biting into me.
They call it a survival knife for a reason.
And remember, a bear knife is always than your bear hands 
Play it safe folks! |
Edited by - AcesHigh on 10/04/2008 2:28 PM |
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Too close to the city, BC
Canada
797 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2008 : 7:29 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by AcesHigh
For example:
I think I'd kill a cougar attacking me rather easily with a bfk. But only if it was on me or already biting into me.
Unless one has done a lot of hand-to-hand [or, paw?] combat with a creature who hunts for its every meal, I don't believe the outcome a 'man with BFK vs cougar' contest is remotely certain. Hopefully none of us will ever be in that situation, and yes I certainly carry a BFK myself [in addition to bear spray].
I've had five cougar encounters, which certainly does not make me any sort of expert. The cougar attacks I've heard of were quick surprise attacks where the victim likely had very little to no time to react. I would love to think that I could defend myself, but could I? I get my food from a store. Just my two cents. |
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fort st john, b.c.
Canada
76 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2008 : 11:09 AM
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| all this is stuff that is posted is nice,nice and full of dangerous and untrue old beliefs.ther is not one person here qualified to give any advice at all. for the true picture read the bear encounter survival guide by gary shelton. |
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Langley, BC
Canada
1078 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2008 : 3:25 PM
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| That's kind of odd because this weiner behind the counter at the MEC in Edmonton tried to convince me that bear spray isn't effective at all. |
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fort st john, b.c.
Canada
76 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2008 : 6:15 PM
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| bear spray is effective 70%, proper rifle with skilled user95%, no defence45%.take your pick |
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canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6872 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2008 : 7:03 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by cfulker
I carry a shotgun with me on some trips, but I also always have bear spray.
I think one thing wortth considering is that we are in the bears territory. Seldom will a bear attack for no reason. They will also (as pointed out by others) bluff charge a percieved threat in many circumstances.
If I can deter a threatning bear with an effective but non-lethal method, I think that is far preferable to either killing (or possibly worse yet) severely injuring one that is just doing what comes naturally.
An injured bear is far more dangerous to those who follow into the wilderness, a bear sprayed bear has (hopefilly) learned a valubale lesson to give humans a wide berth.
Definately agree |
Edited by - Aqua Terra on 12/07/2008 7:06 PM |
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63 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2008 : 10:13 AM
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There are some that believe bears should be protected from harm if possible. Afterall, most of us are recreating...and something as arbitrary as personal recreation hardly justifies harm to the wilderness's inhabitants. If the threat is perceived to be high enough to require lethal means, then it might be better to recreate somewhere else.
On the other hand, bear spray is an effective, non-injurous means to stop violent, or potentially violent, bear encounters. Other protective measures are not so gentle. And no protective measures at all have little chance to stop violent encouters and the human injury that results. If a human is injured, the bear is often 'euthanized' (in the U.S....in Canada?).
Bear spray then not only protects the hiker...it saves the lives of bears. I think that's a good thing.
FB |
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Williams Lake, BC
Canada
20 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2008 : 11:55 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by northernbc
all this is stuff that is posted is nice,nice and full of dangerous and untrue old beliefs.ther is not one person here qualified to give any advice at all. for the true picture read the bear encounter survival guide by gary shelton.
What makes Gary Shelton the expert? He moved to BC from California and self described himself as an expert without any education besides anecdotal. He was a hunting guide who definitely has motives for what he says. I am not saying he's right or wrong just pointing out that he's like the rest of us, just someone with an opinion. My personal choice for bear expertise is Dr. Stephen Herrero. |
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14 Posts |
Posted - 12/14/2008 : 5:34 PM
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[/quote]
What makes Gary Shelton the expert? He moved to BC from California and self described himself as an expert without any education besides anecdotal. He was a hunting guide who definitely has motives for what he says. I am not saying he's right or wrong just pointing out that he's like the rest of us, just someone with an opinion. My personal choice for bear expertise is Dr. Stephen Herrero.
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I agree. I'll place my faith on Dr. Stephen Herrero's advice every day of the week. |
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Study says bear spray more effective than guns
