At Glacier and Yellowstone Parks on our road trip earlier this month, bear safety was discussed at every opportunity. Fact sheets on bear safety were on all public walls and handed out at all the lodges. When we checked in our Yellowstone lodging this Bear Spray stand was doing a brisk business. We go to national parks annually and we talked about how much more awareness of bears is being touted in the parks. Honestly you cannot outrun a bear, they are powerful and fast. If they are within 50 feet you are supposed to be able to use the spray and they will run away. I just think you are better off not going anywhere they are! If you a hiker though I'm sure this is your best bet if you accidentally get close to a bear.
I would love so much to go here one day and to see live bears in the wild would be incredible. I sure would rather try to outrun one of our spiders than a bear :)
Henri - to answer your question - yes, bear spray really works but you have to wait until they are quite close and spray very low so it hits them in the face. I think bear spray rentals are a great idea. Wonderful, informative photo, Lou Ann!
@365karly1 Thank you for explaining the bear spray method of spraying. We were impressed with the way the parks are making everyone "bear aware". It's for everyone's benefit!
What a wonderful looking day for a hike. And, bear encounters will become more and more common as we take more hikes into their territory and bears learn that towns and homes are great easy food sources.
I truly believe that attacks will become less frequent as bears become more socialized with people.
I truly believe that attacks will become less frequent as bears become more socialized with people.