Bear repelent option??

[Traveler]

Pepper spray has been tested and proven effective, anything else would be a gamble. But if you're talking about the AT, there is no need for bear spray.

Speaking in absolutes is a bit of a gamble. Bear spray has proven rather effective to stop unwanted bear approaches, regardless where it is used. Its rather like a pistol, some people want to carry a gun to feel safe, others carry bear spray to feel safe. For me, I try to hike with people who can't run quite as fast.

While I would agree that its not likely bear spray will be needed on the AT, saying it will never be needed leaves no room for the exceptions.

[Engine]

Speaking in absolutes is a bit of a gamble. Bear spray has proven rather effective to stop unwanted bear approaches, regardless where it is used. Its rather like a pistol, some people want to carry a gun to feel safe, others carry bear spray to feel safe. For me, I try to hike with people who can't run quite as fast.

While I would agree that its not likely bear spray will be needed on the AT, saying it will never be needed leaves no room for the exceptions.

You are abolutely correct in that an incident could occur, but when given the odds as I alluded to in a later post, carrying bear spray in unwarranted. If the rate of problem bear encounters were to rise along the AT corridor, I might change my stance. As the odds of encountering a problem rise, we tend to make more effort to avoid it, or protect ourselves from it. I wear a seatbelt in the car, a lifejacket on the boat (especially if I'm not operating the vessel), and I carry concealed when walking the streets. But modes of transportation and exposure to some members of society are far more likely to end badly than seeing a bear. Which is something we should all view qs a gift, not something to be feared. If we had grizzlies in the east, that would change my thinking...I know it does when I'm in their territory out west.

[Traveler]

You are abolutely correct in that an incident could occur, but when given the odds as I alluded to in a later post, carrying bear spray in unwarranted. If the rate of problem bear encounters were to rise along the AT corridor, I might change my stance. As the odds of encountering a problem rise, we tend to make more effort to avoid it, or protect ourselves from it. I wear a seatbelt in the car, a lifejacket on the boat (especially if I'm not operating the vessel), and I carry concealed when walking the streets. But modes of transportation and exposure to some members of society are far more likely to end badly than seeing a bear. Which is something we should all view qs a gift, not something to be feared. If we had grizzlies in the east, that would change my thinking...I know it does when I'm in their territory out west.

I can appreciate what you are saying, especially when comparing the eastern mountains with the west and the populations of Brown and Grizzly bears. That said, the numbers of bear encounters in the east are increasing and have been for a while. And while most of these encounters are not what I would consider dangerous, all have the potential to be just that depending on the circumstances. I think my point was more that the words, all, always, and never are perhaps the three most difficult words in the English language to defend.

I don't know of a useful risk comparative that can be useful here. Using auto or boat safety measures that have become law doesn't really stack up well. And interactive human encounters are uncountable over a week period of time. It really comes down to what makes one feel safe. Your risk tolerance is low with people so you carry a gun to address that. Some people have a low risk tolerance for bears and will carry spray to address that. Both are unlikely to be needed, neither can be easily dismissed when it comes to personal preferences.

[Engine]

... Your risk tolerance is low with people so you carry a gun to address that. Some people have a low risk tolerance for bears and will carry spray to address that. Both are unlikely to be needed, neither can be easily dismissed when it comes to personal preferences.

I like the way you explained that, it puts your stance into better perspective for me. It appears my initial statement regarding not needing to carry bear spray would be better stated as "I don't feel the need to carry bear spray".

[saltysack]

And your worried about a lil bear.....Video: Large gator crosses Lakeland nature path
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/lo...path/484842041


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[swisscross]

And your worried about a lil bear.....Video: Large gator crosses Lakeland nature path
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/lo...path/484842041


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Alligator taste good!
That is a bunch of dinners.


Grizzlies sometimes need a little more convincing that their little brothers.
Seen some videos where multiple bursts were required to deter a grizzly. Any one know how a black bear reacts and would a small can, like key ring self protection, would suffice?

[Hosh]

And your worried about a lil bear.....Video: Large gator crosses Lakeland nature path
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/lo...path/484842041


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Let the discussion begin, is .45ACP big enough in gator country

Looks like it could swallow a Smart Car

[saltysack]

Let the discussion begin, is .45ACP big enough in gator country

Looks like it could swallow a Smart Car

I usually carry a 40cal Glock 27 on my Sup with lil clear nail polish around primer and lead to keep water out just in case(in a pelican box).....truly gators are like bears they aren't a real concern.........MOST of the time but warrant respect and distance when possible...they sure look smaller in the water....the old saying is that for every inch between it's nostrils to its eyes is 1' of body length.....that video sure looks 15' + too me.


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[saltysack]

Forgot...the gun not for the gators but the drunk rednecks on the air boats....


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[onecamper]

Consider bringing a dog..

[GoldenBear]

> Consider bringing a dog

If you do, ABSOLUTELY keep it on a leash at ALL TIMES!
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014...bigger-animal/

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries told TheBlaze in an emailed statement that if the dog had been leashed in the first place, it might never have needed to defend its owner.
“After disturbing a family of bears, the dog chased after and began attacking the cubs,” the statement read. “As a result the sow charged at the man and focused her defense of cubs on him. ..."

The dog did NOT save the man from a bear attack, the unleashed dog almost got the man killed!

[saltysack]

> Consider bringing a dog

If you do, ABSOLUTELY keep it on a leash at ALL TIMES!
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014...bigger-animal/

The dog did NOT save the man from a bear attack, the unleashed dog almost got the man killed!

Thought he was talking about to feed the gator.... sorry for the drift...


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[hikehunter]

THINGS YOU NEED TO MAKE A BEAR SPRAY AT HOME BEFORE YOU HIKE.


1. One gallon of 180 proof Jack Daniels (any label)
2. The hiker that "knows it all" you know the one that thinks he has all the answers.
3. That hiker that "snores" at the shelter; He may have been in the shelter 8 miles back, but you could still hear him.
4. The hiker that never shuts up, and talks all the time.
5. The A-hole driver that throws a half used cigerette at you when you are trying to hitch a ride.
6. The hikers that have no clue about LNT.
7. The hiker that asks if you could carry some items to the next town that have no use on the trail, but they want to send them home, as they cost a lot.
8. The hiker between you and the bear.


*add other items you feel may make it more effective.