KEEPING BEARS AWAY

[WoodlandSavage]

I am frequently in bear country (BWCA or Voyageur's Nat'l Park) on fishing trips. This year I bought some bear spray (like pepper spray) to have in case of emergencies. This stuff claims that it can stop a charging bear. All of my buddies think I'm nuts. They say it wont work.

I've never had a run-in with a bear and I hope I never do, but you can never be too prepaired.

Does anyone out there have any advice?

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The Woodland Savage

"Grrr baby, very grrr!"

[Jackpine Rob]

Pay attention to wind direction. That pepper spray is some vicious stuff! I've seen spray work very well for discouraging Yogi and Boo Boo, and heard a few horror stories of folks who neglected to make sure the nozzle was properly aimed.

I doubt you will find many charging bears.

[wade]

I have spent probably upwards of a thousand days in bear country, I used to guide wilderness expeditions, this includes polar, brown and black bear country. The key to keeping bears away is keeping your food away from your tents.

When black bears come into your campsite they are looking for food and you are not the preferred item on the menu, the food you eat is. Do not take any food into the tent with and hang your food packs high and between two trees. Many of the bears in the BWCAW are habituated to find food in the campsites and will come in on their quest for easy eating and if they find nothing will move on to easier pickins. If you keep a clean campsite you should have imited problems. I have never been charged by a black bear at any time of the year.

wade

[Jackpine Rob]

I agree with most of what Wade said, but would like to offer one little warning. Many of the "problem" bears are created by campers who flee in a screaming mad dash at the first appearance of the bear. They leave their grub behind, and the bear gets a free meal merely by showing up and walking in. After a success or 2, you have a problem bear in the making, and they will sometimes get belligerent when you refuse to run. Most often what I have seen is the head hanging low and wagging back and forth while the bear pops his jaws (pretty impressive noise) and somtimes taking a stiff-legged hop towards you.
I don't screw around with those. The bear is probably still bluffing at that point, but I will take action, including spray, the biggest rock I can hurl into head of the bear, or laying a warning shot alongside.
While we have all read the stories of the predatory bears, your odds of running into one of those are extremely slim.

[WoodlandSavage]

Thanks for all of the replys everyone.

I do what all of you are saying, as far as food/toiletries/cooking gear and keeping you camp site clean. I think that's why I've never had a run in with a bear.

My question was basically about the bear spray. Safety and good planning are a must on any trip into the wilderness. I thought it would be a good idea to have it just for emergencies, but my friends don't think it will work if we do have a run-in. Will it work or did I just waste $30? Has anyone had any experience using it?

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The Woodland Savage

"Grrr baby, very grrr!"

[wade22]

Tilt the can away from you while you open with the o-ring. This alleviates nearly all the beer spray heading in your direction. Another prevailing school of thought regarding beer spray is to "tamp" the beer can by gently tapping the top before opening to reduce active carbination.
Oh, BEAR spray. Never mind.