Don't want to re-open what sometimes becomes a heated debate but an interesting article on a recent bear "attack" in Yellowstone.

Angry grizzly bear charges couple twice; what they did possibly saved their lives

If you don't know Lamar Valley, it has excellent fly fishing and a wolf pack, as well as grizzly and moose. Wife and I watched a grizzly stalk elk there on our last trip. There was a calf hidden in the sage. If Photobucket EVER responds, I'll post a pick we took!

BTW: First picture of a "grizzly" with an elk carcass is actually a black bear!

Where there any witnesses to this "incident"?

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be safe,enjoylife,journey well

Just the two people who survived! If I am fly fishing I try to get away from people! (I think Lamar is fly fishing only)

We all know guns are often used in a non-violent manner to prevent crime. How many of those have witnesses?

I don't understand the implication they are lying.

Absolutely no doubt, pepper spray is a deterrent. It works. Doesn't mean that the bear won't eventually return, but if used correctly, it can certainly either completely deter or at least minimize an attack.

But...you have to use the right pepper spray. Be sure to get the heavy duty, super concentrated stuff meant for bears!...not the stuff in the little pink canister that your wife carries on her key chain. Sure, it costs a little more, but to me, avoiding a bear attack is worth the extra forty bucks.

Still, when I'm in bear country, do I still carry a firearm??? You bet your bobsled I do.

Just my view from the saddle.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

We had an armed intruder wander into our office a while back. He entered through a locked door that stuck open partially. He had an outstanding warrant and was arrested for trespass and having a weapon in a Federal Building. I've lectured to college students about field studies and told them EVERY field biologist should have a way of making fire, a flashlight and a knife (This was pre-cellphone). Most of us do keep a pocketknife (mostly around 3") and LE kinda looks the other way.

As safety officer, I can certify people to carry bear spray for animals. I said that, in my opinion, any biologist or staff member who got certified (requires a one-hour video and a simple test on bear ID and handling the spray) could keep a can of BEAR spray in their office 24/7.

BTW: If I'm out for any time away from the roads (when I'm off duty), I carry a 454 custom SBH: