Warning: A buddy told me to skip the bear spray in Denali last summer

My friend Dave said bear spray was a waste of cash for a day hike near Savage River. He claimed clapping and yelling works just fine. Ten miles in, a black bear bluff charged us and Dave froze up. We got lucky it stopped 30 feet out, but I bought two cans the next day. Has anyone else gotten bad outdoor advice from a so-called local?

2 comments

2 Comments

charles_coleman27d ago

I read a study that said bear spray works over 90% of the time while guns only stop a charge about half the time... your buddy's advice was just plain dangerous.

gray_schmidt826d ago

Yeah cause statistically the guy who just popped a can of bear spray looks way cooler than the dude emptying a revolver into the air while running backwards. But honestly if I'm hiking and a bear charges I'd rather bet on the 90% than play roulette with a 50/50 shot and my hunting rifle. Maybe your buddy just wanted to sell you a holster instead of keep you alive.