I didn't want to hijack a thread in the "S&W Revolvers: 1980 to Present" section, so I will comment here in the "The Lounge". There was a recent thread in the above mentioned section titled "Does anybody really LIKE the 329PD?". Near the bottom of the thread Hondo44 discussed how he felt that the 329PD was one of the revolvers he thought would be great for defense against bear attacks. He included a link to a website that detailed 104 bear attacks that involved the use of handguns. I have great respect and admiration for Hondo44 and the article was interesting to read. What bothered me about the article was that a majority of the bear attacks, regardless of where they occurred, involved a bear sow and cubs. In almost every case the bear sow was killed and the cubs were left to fend for themselves. These are cases of humans injecting themselves into the bears' natural habitat (hunting, fishing, hiking, etc.) and bear sows protecting their cubs. Although I am not a big game hunter or trekker, and I am certainly not a tree hugger, I respect the rights of those who wish to hunt, fish, or hike in the wilderness. Those folks know that there is a possibility of a bear attack and most of them are well armed. It's just a shame that many of the bears that are killed during these human-bear encounters are just trying to survive in the wild and raise their cubs.
Bear Attacks
- Thread starter Hawg Rider
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Puller
Member
According to a quick google search around 11 people are killed by bears in North America each year. 76% of bear attacks are caused by human interference with bears.
Lightning kills on average 20 people per year in the United States.
So, we are twice as likely to be killed by lightning than by bears, and bear attacks are mostly avoidable.
Lightning kills on average 20 people per year in the United States.
So, we are twice as likely to be killed by lightning than by bears, and bear attacks are mostly avoidable.
I agree with your sentiment. As far as the natural way of things goes, humans do have something of a genius for messing things up. I don’t know of any solution to your concern, other than keeping man out of the bears’ home.
The problem we have here is attracting them into the burbs with outdoor trash cans,bird feeders,etc,especially this time of year.
Ivan the Butcher
Member
A relative by marriage went Salmon fishing in Alaska. The photos show enough fisherman that there is one in every picture from any angle. There are enough bears out that they are in every picture, And yet nobody got attacked. (Good, watchful guides!)
My friends that are hikers that ran into bears on the trail have only encountered Black Bears. (That is why they are still alive to talk about it!) The also obeyed the warning notifications! Like "Trail Closed due to Bear activity in area!"
Stupid people win stupid prizes, but the bears get to pay the price in the long run!
If the African bears had ganged up on Lucy (the female human we all come from) and her friends, all those years ago. Maybe the bears would rule the world, and we would be in the zoo! But it seems opposable thumbs survive better than shear bulk and teeth!
Ivan
My friends that are hikers that ran into bears on the trail have only encountered Black Bears. (That is why they are still alive to talk about it!) The also obeyed the warning notifications! Like "Trail Closed due to Bear activity in area!"
Stupid people win stupid prizes, but the bears get to pay the price in the long run!
If the African bears had ganged up on Lucy (the female human we all come from) and her friends, all those years ago. Maybe the bears would rule the world, and we would be in the zoo! But it seems opposable thumbs survive better than shear bulk and teeth!
Ivan
I agree that it is sad when this happens, but I can't agree about humans injecting themselves into the bear's habitat. Human beings are of this planet too and shouldn't be restricted to cities. Many black bear attacks are perpetrated by young males seeking food. That is why you should not play dead if a black bear attacks. Provoking a bear is stupid, but preparing for an attack is good planning.
Staying Safe Around Bears - Bears (U.S. National Park Service)
Staying Safe Around Bears - Bears (U.S. National Park Service)
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Back when I was a kid we went to Smoky Mountains for a few days. Back then they had a lot of areas just off the road with picnic tables set up. We stopped at one and was about half way thru our lunch when a black bear decided to join us.
We just got up and walked to the car, and other than loosing half out lunch and littering. All was well.
I saw a video a couple days ago where people were hand feeding a black bear from a picnic table. Some people will do anything to get likes on social media.
When there are human and wildlife interactions, unfortunately the wildlife generally loses. I am a hunter and am lucky that I don't live in bear country, so I have never had an interaction with a bear. If people would listen to wildlife experts about avoiding certain areas etc. I think there would be less of these incidents, but people don't listen, and the wildlife pay the price.
OLDSTER
Member
Danger lurks around every bend.
In 1932 Jimmy Kennedy warned us:
"If you go out in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.
If you go out in the woods today,
You'd better not go alone.
It's lovely out in the woods today,
But safer to stay at home."
"If you go out in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.
If you go out in the woods today,
You'd better not go alone.
It's lovely out in the woods today,
But safer to stay at home."
So what do you do with a bear that breaks into summer cabins in August
that cost $$$$ to replace the broken windows and damage done inside the homes?
When known to have eight (8) break ins in one area and a total of maybe 16 possible............
in a two moth period, what is the best thing to do with this bear, when caught?
that cost $$$$ to replace the broken windows and damage done inside the homes?
When known to have eight (8) break ins in one area and a total of maybe 16 possible............
in a two moth period, what is the best thing to do with this bear, when caught?
Heavy wood shutters?
UncleEd
Member
Post signs:
BEARS NOT ALLOWED
BEARS NOT ALLOWED
Radio tag
Relocate to somewhere well free of humans
Track
If the bear returns to occupied areas, humanely kill
Second chances are good, specially when an animal is dealing with loss of habitat. When a large predator deliberately seeks humans, let the PETA crowd be the picket line.
I’m just glad mom didn’t come up my ladder! She was probably 350lbs and had 4 cubs. That cub walked directly to my stand and up ladder like he’d done it a hundred times before. I took a 2 1/2 min video. Best day ever deer hunting and I never saw a deer.
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SAFireman
Member
Silverbacks get no love either.
Man oh man.....Lee is gonna be pissed!
Autonomous
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Bears that see humans as a non-threatening food source become (more) dangerous.
Life isn't fair, sometimes lethal measures are necessary.
Life isn't fair, sometimes lethal measures are necessary.
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