Post By: culinarypunk Posted: 7/30/2012 12:19:32 AM Points: 551
So, the wife and I ventured up to and around Pinedale Wyoming today/night. We were taking fr roads and roads off of them and seen signs about black bears at almost every intersection and board. But then we started to see bigger signs about grizzly bears being around. This was are first time to be in an erea that grizzlys are known to be present.. So what are some safety tips to keep then grizzlys away, and what to do if you see and/or incounter one?
And a little further north I hear there are wolves, and tips for them also?
Reply by: CUclimber Posted: 7/30/2012 12:46:14 AM Points: 491
I suppose it depends on what you're doing at the time, be it driving, hiking, car camping, but generally you act like you would in black bear country, unless you actually encounter the grizzly, in which case you would do the opposite of a black bear encounter. When hiking and camping, make your presence know with noise/bells/loud talking so as not to sneak up on and startle a grizzly. If you encounter one, make dam sure you are not between it and its cub. Do not fish with one in sight. If you are in your car...don't get out.
If you come across one: DO NOT RUN DO NOT make eye contact Slowly back away If it charges stand your ground, many times it will be a false charge. If it gets close, spray it or shoot it if you have the means. If it attacks, curl into a ball and leave your pack on. Protect your head and neck. Tell your wife to get help.
Different rules for black bears. Except for the cub part. Stand your ground, make a lot of noise and make yourself big to scare it off. Fight back if you have to.
With both, hang all food and anything scented in bear bags away from your camp and far out of reach.
I wouldn't be too worried about it, just be prepared.
Reply by: CUclimber Posted: 7/30/2012 1:00:26 AM Points: 491
Oh, for wolves, you would basically do the same thing you would a black bear. Slowly back away, make yourself look big e.g. raise your backpack or walking stick over your head. Raise your voice if you have to, but don't get panicky. Use anything you have with you to fight if off in the unlikely event it attacks you. I have never felt the need to carry a sidearm while hiking, except in Alaska, but these days I usually have a good sized knife on my hip, just in case. I'm more scared of people than I am animals, usually.
Reply by: spicyhombre Posted: 7/30/2012 1:01:35 AM Points: 134
A great book to read is Mark of the Grizzly. the author interviews and tells the stories of Grizzly attack. Very interesting and informative.
CUclimber offers great tips. One thing to keep in mind, If the Grizz actually attacks and you get into a ball protecting your head with your arms he will most likely swipe at you and probably bite. You need to keep it together and keep balled up and quiet and most likely it will end up leaving. Much easier said than done.
If a grizzly wants you there is not no deterrent other than a big azz gun not a book. Black bears and wolves are like bunny rabbit compared to a grizzly. If they are signs up with warnings , why in the world would you even hang around?
You could always use the book pages to wipe you butt after you encounter one..
^^ What he said X1,000,000,000 Unless you happen to carry a .50 Cal, you shooting it is just gonna piss it off.. Not that i'm leaving the gun in the truck. But don't expect a 9mm to stop a grizzly!
Reply by: BITE ME Posted: 7/31/2012 12:41:04 PM Points: 5393
Always go hiking with someone slower then yourself or give them a good shove to the ground befor you take off running. Pack your friends back pack with a good steak and if you don't encounter any bears then you can have dinner.
M80s ? My luck depending on something like that, the first thing I would see, after it went off would be a pissed grizz that doesent like the smell of one and is total deaf. Looking like Janice, when I say Im going fishing more than once a week LOL
Did a 9mm seriously get in this conversation..... Tell you what... Take a red rider bb gun and try to convince the bear it's actually a 300 win mag and you are not afraid to use it. Your chances are better then a 9 mm. But stand strong. Contrary to bass awards comments. I would poke it with the barrel. But try to act serious about it. The bear will flee.
In all seriousness, I've been in bear situations.....panic kills people. Flat out and simple. If the bear wants his way he will have it so u might as well make a fight for it. Don't play the role of cat and mouse. Common sense on trash and food..... And if you do not have the proper weapons to protect.... Well you might be putting yourself in harms way. Good luck and be safe.
Reply by: culinarypunk Posted: 8/1/2012 1:35:09 AM Points: 551
Thanks everyone! For the jokes and info! I'm a BIG guy but I can run "fast" so my friends or wife (haha) better home I don't push them to the ground.... Hey saltyfresh, you wanna race again?
