RE: [Paddlewise] Guns and Polar Bears

I certainly agree with the statement "Shooting a Polar Bear living in it's
own territory because it's natural instinct as a large predator is not
convenient for you seems very wrong..." I am curious about what Aaron means
by "I would also suggest that going places where the risk is actually high
is maybe not a great idea."
What constitutes a "high" risk area?  If a "high risk area" is defined
simply as an area with a high density of bears, then I do not agree.

I have had several NPS and BLM officials who work in Alaskan backcountry
tell me that virtually every night they camp out, brown bears will come
around to check out their tent in the middle of the night.  The bears see
something unusual, so they check it out.  I have had this happen to me as
well.  Is this a bear encounter?  After all, you are sleeping only a few
feet away from a bear.  Is it a risky situation?  I do not think so.  The
odds of an attack are probably less than getting struck by lightning.  Bears
are like any other natural condition in the backcountry, a little knowledge,
good judgment, and preparedness will greatly reduce the risks.  You are
never going to achieve a 100% safety guarantee, nor should you expect to.

I have owned and used guns since I was 8 years old.  I insist on having one
in my house in case of human intruders.  I have actually used one to scare
away one such intruder who crashed through my window to steal money for
drugs.  However, I have NEVER felt the need to take a gun into the
wilderness when I paddle or backpack.  Bears are simply trying to survive
and procreate, not very complicated or unreasonable motivations.  People, on
the other hand, have all sorts of motives that I can never begin to
understand.  When I am in the wilderness I will be armed with knowledge,
good judgment, and a can of bear spray.  In the city, I want my gun.

Dave
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