Overheard Conversation

[tmckay2]

I'm not a big bear spray advocate but if it's concentrated enough to temporarily blind you as well as burn your nose and throat badly I dont think it matters how mad he is. It's hard to attack when blinded. I would risk it with a grizzly but with something like a black bear or moose I bet I would work decently. Like I said, carrying is ideal and I always do but bear spray is a reasonable alternative for others. I realize the op was staying that the guy wasn't even leaving town but everyone else seems to be laughing at the spray itself

Nothing against being prepared I guess out of Towner's not bring a sidearm a last resort, but does it work? Never used it, granddad was an old wilderness man from Washington state and my cousin spent several years as a forest ranger living in steamboat, both said the same thing at two different times. " If a bear is charging you why do you want to make him madder?"

In fact grandpa mention using bear spray to disorientate so you can get a cleaner shot but don't rely on it to drive the bear away.

[Skully]

I'm not a big bear spray advocate but if it's concentrated enough to temporarily blind you as well as burn your nose and throat badly I dont think it matters how mad he is. It's hard to attack when blinded. I would risk it with a grizzly but with something like a black bear or moose I bet I would work decently. Like I said, carrying is ideal and I always do but bear spray is a reasonable alternative for others. I realize the op was staying that the guy wasn't even leaving town but everyone else seems to be laughing at the spray itself

I am not an expert on bear spray but I definitely would have a different strategy if that is all i had.

A 300+ lb bear at full charge and you fumble for the bear spray and tag them at 8 or less feet and he is madder now. High chance your

up BEAR ATTACKS or CHARGING. Pretty scary if you think about it...........



I have seen Bears get brave and come in to town, although in Nederland against the hippies it would have no effect. Their smell is far more toxic and they are use to it so any pepper/bear spray would not affect them. Carry body wash or hair clippers, just brandish them and they will run. You can also throw some CHeetos bait in the opposite direction and the they will run for them....................