Thread: runin with a bear last night gun saved my butt.

Glad you and your dog are ok, but to be brutally honest with you, you could have accomplished the same thing by shouting, making any other loud noise or throwing a rock in his direction. That bear was obviously more curious than a threat. Unfortunately, too many people would would have just let fly at the bear rather than scaring him off as you did, and say they were "attacked" and the gun was the only thing that saved their life. Sad but true.

He probably went home and ratted you out to his dad Mr Big Grizzly. I hope you can run real fast. Don't try shooting him with that popgun you'll just make him mad.

Originally Posted by stonehenge

Glad you and your dog are ok, but to be brutally honest with you, you could have accomplished the same thing by shouting, making any other loud noise or throwing a rock in his direction. That bear was obviously more curious than a threat. Unfortunately, too many people would would have just let fly at the bear rather than scaring him off as you did, and say they were "attacked" and the gun was the only thing that saved their life. Sad but true.

Let me know how that shouting thing works for ya when your that close to a bear.

Originally Posted by nessmuck

Let me know how that shouting thing works for ya when your that close to a bear.

Actually, I have been within 20 yards of 6 different wild black bears. Didn't even have to shout, as the bears weren't interested in attacking me. And 4 of them were all larger than the one the OP dealt with. I will admit that I had to check my underwear for stains after 2 of the encounters. These bears were both over 450 pounds and I can't say I can remember ever being so in awe and intimidated by the sight of a wild animal. Firearms were not allowed to be carried in both those encounters and I wish I'd had one because if they had wanted to do some damage, I would have been toast. I sympathize with the OP, as there is nothing more intimidating in the wild than coming that close to a large bear of any kind. But I've learned to respect them as well, and I personally will never kill one unless I absolutely have to.

i have respect for the bears but i also have enough commen knowlage to know that if they fel there in danger there gonna fight back hard.

When I saw them backpacking it seemed to work....

Originally Posted by nessmuck

Let me know how that shouting thing works for ya when your that close to a bear.

Most people assume Black Bears are pretty harmless as far as staying clear of people goes but I think research has shown Black Bears can be very unpredictable and aggressive and can be more dangerous than a grizzly which is more retiring. Of course grizzly's are more dangerous if they get a hold of you but really if a 300 pound Black gets you as opposed to a 500 pound Grizzly well dead is dead. The black might have to hit you 2x to knock your head off while the grizzly just needs a single small one.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

... Of course grizzly's are more dangerous if they get a hold of you but really if a 300 pound Black gets you as opposed to a 500 pound Grizzly well dead is dead. The black might have to hit you 2x to knock your head off while the grizzly just needs a single small one.

I personally don't see as either bear would be that dangerous. I mean, have you actually ever seen a bear claw? Go to your local bakery and take a look at one. They generally have them in the case next to the cinnamon buns. Now tell me how a bear is gonna' hurt me with one of those? Hell, from where I stand, that bear better watch out for me! Bear claws ate tasty! If'n I get my hands on a bear, he's gonna have to get prosthetics after I'm done with him.

Originally Posted by joesixpack

I personally don't see as either bear would be that dangerous. I mean, have you actually ever seen a bear claw? Go to your local bakery and take a look at one. They generally have them in the case next to the cinnamon buns. Now tell me how a bear is gonna' hurt me with one of those? Hell, from where I stand, that bear better watch out for me! Bear claws ate tasty! If'n I get my hands on a bear, he's gonna have to get prosthetics after I'm done with him.

If I hit you with one a few days old your dead.

In case you're REALLY wondering about bear country and bears, this sign explains it all for you.