Welcome, guest [login | register]

Posted by kutenay on August 7, 2007 at 9:18:56 pm EDT
In reply to Bears, Bears, Bears posted by Timeportalmatrix on August 5, 2007 at 12:57:20 pm EDT

I worked for the Alberta Forest Service at Hinton, on Athabaska Tower in '90 and'91, was with the BCFS for some years and grew up in BC Grizzly country. I have taught basic bear defence to many people on various crews I have trained/supervised and would suggest the following.

Buy a copy of "Bear Encounter Survival Guide" by James Gary Shelton and READ it. This is the BEST bear info. now available, Gary is a Yank who came to BC circa 1965 and was wise enough to learn from oldtime bushwhackers of the kind I was raised by. His suggestions concerning bears WORK as many encounters have taught me.

I usually hike un-armed, always have, but, I do carry a gun whenever I think it is a good idea. This is problematic in our National Parks and in certain parts of Kananaskis Country, too bad, people ALSO are a natural presence in the wilderness. However, unless you are dammed good with it, a gun is useless and so may not be the best option for many.

I NEVER carry bearspray, useless crap that can blind you and this happened to me. I DO suggest a small air horn to toot when you enter an area of restricted vision, this will warn bears that you are nearby.

Relax, given the numbers of bears in BC, about 1/4 million, we have had about 150 attacks in 20 years with about a dozen deaths. Watch where you are going and keep away from areas where bears travel, again, buy and read Gary's book. HTH.

Replies

View: flat | threaded

There have been no replies

Post a Reply

Before replying, please read the complete thread.