Re: [Paddlewise] Bears

Will wrote:
>It bothers me to see large displays of bear spray canisters at REI and

>other stores, especially those in areas that are not geographically 
>close to bear habitat, because the point-of-sale presence suggests 
>these pepper foggers as an adequate means of defense (a.k.a. 
>'solution').  If I had been carrying either in my prior encounters, 
>fear and or adrenaline alone might have convinced me that their use
was 
>necessary.  I'm glad I was empty handed, frankly.

I've hiked quite a bit in Glacier NP...  Seen griz from quite a
distance, black bears up quite close.  The blackies were always quite
interested in increasing the separation between us.

I'm sure I've been a lot closer to grizzlies than I realize.  I try to
give them plenty of warning by talking with hiking partners while on
the trail, and shouting or singing at blind trail corners or near
stream crossings.

Most of them really don't want to see us any closer than we want to see
them.  It's when they're surprised that trouble happens.

I'll keep my bear spray, however.  If I'm sleeping one night and a
habituated bear decides to check out the contents of my tent, I'll be
thankful to have it--even if I have to spray it in my own eyes so I
can't see those big claws swiping at me!!

Shawn

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