Well, my bear spray debate is over.

[The Counselor]

When I first started reading and planning for my first multi-night BP trip, I was impressed by the things I read about bears and the stories of bear encounters. "The 50 miles you are hiking has more bears than any other section of the AT" the outfitter said. "I'm not going out there without something with me" my brother said. "Who cares about the stats, let's be prepared in case we are one of the rare folks that have a close call" one of my other buddies said.

As the months went by and I continued to read up on backpacking and the trail, the less I worried about it. But my brother keeps mentioning it.

So today, I finally stick my head in the local outdoors shop and ask about bear spray. The guy shows me a heavy, long canister for about 42 bucks. Decision made. Not happening.

I'll take a whistle into the hammock with me. Otherwise, I am faster than all three of my hiking mates. I'll take my chances.

[Mountain Wildman]

There ya go!!
You can't outrun a bear but if you can outrun the other hikers, Se La vie.

[Joshuatree]

Thats the idea you just have to be faster then the slowest guy

[pdcollins6092]

I had been thinking about taking some myself untill I saw the price and made up my mind that I dont need it that bad.

[jerseydave]

two possible solutions

1) a squirt bottle full of honey to douse down a "least liked" hiking partner with, just before you run

2) a stray cat spread with peanut butter
















the above was only a joke........ get over it

jd

[Sierra Echo]

Bears don't like loud noises, so if one comes at you, just fart!

[sheepdog]

I just carry a small canister of pepper spray like you use for people. You don't need the grizzly bear canister.

[buff_jeff]

Honestly, I'd probably only consider bear mace in areas with Grizzlies, and even then I doubt I'd bring it. Black bears seem pretty docile to me, especially if you use common sense precautions around them.

This thread reminded me of the Dog the Bounty Hunter South Park episode :

[LoneRidgeRunner]

Bears don't like loud noises, so if one comes at you, just fart!

What if the fart is a silent one?

[LoneRidgeRunner]

Bears are cool people... Don't need spray for Grizzlies or Black Bears ... Just leave her cubs alone... Everyone's seen to many "big bad bear" movies..

[Sierra Echo]

What if the fart is a silent one?

Then perhaps the accompanying smell that followed the bear sighting will chase it off!

[The Counselor]

It's a rare male over 45, anyway, that can do it on command risk free. Some risks are unacceptable. I'll take my chances with the bear.

[LDog]

What if the fart is a silent one?

Well, that would be a literal manifestation of "Silent but Deadly" wouldn't it?

[sbhikes]

Hammock? Bear burrito!

[Montana Mac]

Well I have never carried my spray on the AT but I do when I work

[GoldenBear]

> I am faster than all three of my hiking mates

The guy who runs, thinking he only has to out-run his mates, is the one who the bear will chase. The ones who are smart enough to NOT run, are the ones the bear will leave alone.

First rule of bear encounters: running is the STUPIDEST thing you can do.

[The Counselor]

But then I couldn't use the throw away line.

[Mountain Mike]

I'm getting old & slow. No way I can out run the young bucks.So at night I tie their shoe laces together.

[blitz1]

here's the latest in non-lethal bear deterrents:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10268690...news-security/
on a serious note, I've emailed a bear center to ask if there's any research on using low power laser pointers as bear deterrents. too weak to cause lasting eye damage, but if you dazzled the bear with it, would he run away? or come up to you to see if it tastes good?
If it worked, would be a great UL solution! could double to use as laserpointer in those powerpoint presentations you give to other hikers on how great your gear is.

[Fiddleback]

The need for more reading on the debate is indicated. Bear spray is not only for the hiker carrying it, it is also protection for other hikers nearby an encounter.

Beyond that, however, is something else. Something else that I think is important... It is protection for the bear(s).

A bear, be it the 'cute, little, mischievous' blacks of the AT or the more serious grizzlys of the Northern Rockies, are at risk anytime there is an encounter. A violent encounter, one that injures a hiker, most often ends with a euthanized bear and sometimes some dead cubs that couldn't make it on their own. Bear spray works quite well...it is very successful in ending encounters before they turn violent...before someone gets hurt. And that increases the odds of survival for the bear.

If one doesn't care about his/herself, that may or may not be OK by me. But not doing what one can to take care of others in the hiking party or preserving wildlife..? That's a no-no in my book. Our 'recreation' in bear habitat does not warrant a bear's preventable death. If one does not want to take simple precautions, one should stay out of bear territory. IMNSHO.

You can get shiny new canisters of Counter Assault for under thirty bucks if you watch for sales, e.g., the REI Spring Sale. I concede there's darn little risk on the AT but I don't concede that a dozen ounces worn on the belt for a cost of $30 is 'too much.'


FB