Thursday, May 23, 2013
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Best Defense Against Black, Brown Bear EncountersThe rules change depending on if you encounter a black or brown bear.State wildlife biologists currently don't have plans to locate the bear that mauled seven teens in the Talkeetna Mountains over the weekend because it's located in a remote area and say the bear is not perceived to be a public threat. Biologists also say it does not appear that the bear was acting especially aggressively.
“The kids may not have actually provoked the bear's defensive response by any unusual activities in terms of throwing rocks or harassing the bears. But if a bear, particularly one with cubs, is surprised at close range, quite often they'll respond in a defensive way,” said biologist Lem Butler.
If you do encounter a bear, Butler says your reaction depends on what kind of bear you encounter.
If you're in a group and encounter a brown bear, he says:
If the brown bear attacks:
But the rule changes for black bears, as they tend to be more predatory and have tried to feed on people.
If you're in a group and encounter a black bear, he says:
So, bottom line: If it's brown, lay down. If it's black, fight back.
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Nathan B said on Tuesday, Jul 26 at 1:33 PM
This is typical environmentalist lets all commune with nature advice. If any bear attacks spray it with Bear Defense (super strength) pepper spray as much as needed directly in the face for as long as you can. If the bear persists kill it with a large caliber medium velocity round. Preferably with a .44 Magnum or larger with hard cast slugs. A 12 Gauge shotgun works well with slugs and 3" magnum rounds. Shoot it several times in the upper chest. If it is running at you on all fours shoot it just under the chin in the upper chest area. This may or may not kill the bear, so keep shooting until it is dead. Then report the kill to the Alaska Troopers. Look people, there is no reason to risk your life on a strategy of Bear Coombiah. It is a very dangerous animal and if you need to kill it before it kills or mauls you or anyone else then do so. Risking yourself on the strategy posted above is absolute fool hardy. Even the guys who tell you this stuff carry lethal protection.
71324396Nathan B said on Tuesday, Jul 26 at 1:40 PM
Just so you know, I have been chased by bears. I was unprepared once, and fled with my life after crossing paths with a mother and cub black bear when I was young. I had a dirt bike so I hauled tail out of there and none too soon. I looked back to see momma bear close on my heels as I shifted into third and skeedaddled. Years later I have encountered bears in the wild even Brown Bears and one albino bear in Yellowstone. Only once did I have to use the pepper spray and it did the trick. But...I had a back up gun (.44 magnum with 305 grain solid slugs)and others in my group to provide layered protection. Don't travel alone in these here woods, and be prepared. Carry emergency equipment and supplies, be kind to the wild life, give bears a wide berth, make plenty of noise to let them know you are coming so they can skeedaddle, and have a plan and training to kill each bear who threatens you or others. You don't have to use it, you just have to be trained and equipped just in case!
71324809Andre H said on Tuesday, Jul 26 at 3:12 PM
Well said Nathan B. I have lived in Alaska my whole life. I don't go anywhere...even Rover's Run on my bike on the hillside without at least bear spray. If I am outside of Anchorage a loaded .44 Magnum or a Shotgun with Brenneke 3" slugs. Enjoy this awesome state, but don't be foolish. You can't be "one with nature" in Alaska...you will be eaten or batted around. Sometimes reaction time is all you have. Use it if you have it and don't let up until the threat is gone. Go prepared. Enjoy Alaska. 30 Teens in Talkeetna with no weapons, but excellent first aid knowledge? Band aids or bullets? I choose bullets.
71329082bwi said on Wednesday, Jul 27 at 11:44 PM
the best defense against beers is chips or pretzels
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