Our research shows that bear deterrent spray is an effective
tool for defusing bear–human conflict in a nonlethal
manner. In Alaska, bear spray was highly effective in
dealing with all 3 species of North American bears, although
more data on polar bear responses is needed. Persons
working and recreating in bear habitat should feel confident
that they are safe if carrying bear spray. Although bear spray
was 92% effective by our definition of success, it is
important to note that 98% of persons carrying it were
uninjured after a close encounter with bears.
In portions of North America where bears are in decline
managers may reduce the number of bears killed in defense of-
life by arming employees with bear deterrent sprays in
addition to firearms. No bear spray has ever been reported to
kill a bear. It is our belief that widespread use of bear spray
will promote human safety and bear conservation.

By MATTHEW BROWN

Associated Press
BILLINGS, Mont. —

A hunter attacked by a wounded grizzly in a Montana forest was killed not by the bear, but by a gunshot fired by a companion trying to save him, authorities said Friday.

Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe said an autopsy determined 39-year-old Steve Stevenson of Winnemucca, Nev., died of a single gunshot to the chest. The cause of death was determined by a medical examiner with the Montana State Crime Lab.

The shot was fired by 20-year-old Ty Bell, also of Winnemucca, as he attempted to stop the bear's attack. No charges are expected, Bowe said.

The autopsy found bite marks on Stevenson's leg caused by the bear.

"We're fairly convinced it was obviously an accident," Bowe said. "But the county attorney will review the final report once we're done."

Bell and Stevenson were on a black bear hunting trip with two other people in a thickly-forested region along the Montana-Idaho border when the attack occurred Sept. 16.

The foursome had split into two-member teams, and early in the day Bell shot and wounded what he thought was a black bear, which are considered less aggressive than grizzly bears.

Bell and Stevenson waited about 15 minutes until they thought the bear had died, then tracked the 400-pound grizzly into thick cover, according to Stevenson's mother, Janet Price.

When the bear turned on the men, Stevenson yelled at the animal to distract it and keep it from attacking Bell, Price told The Associated Press last week. When the animal instead went after Stevenson, Bell fired multiple shots trying to kill the animal, Bowe said.

It was unclear how many times the bear was hit, or whether the bullet that killed Stevenson had first hit the bear. Bowe said that possibility was under investigation.

The bear also died.

It is illegal to kill grizzly bears in the lower 48 states, where the animals are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and the case is also under investigation by federal wildlife agents.

Grizzlies were largely exterminated across the lower 48 last century, but their population has rebounded dramatically in recent decades.

The grizzly shot by Bell was one of about 45 of the animals that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates live in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem Area in northwest Montana and northern Idaho.

Ron Aasheim with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said the case underscored the potential danger hunters face when pursuing wounded animals.

"Anytime you follow a wounded animal, but particularly a predator like a bear, you have to be very careful," he said.

blackrock wrote:I accidentally set the shit off in my driveway. It took several of us down pretty quick and my friends were very impressed with my can-handling skill! This stuff will also incapacitate the user making them easy prey.

It is a tool, just like firearms. One may be better in certain situations. If I only carry one, it is a firearm. I'll take both along sometimes, but would not want to rely entirely on spray.

Glidergeek wrote:

blackrock wrote:I accidentally set the shit off in my driveway. It took several of us down pretty quick and my friends were very impressed with my can-handling skill! This stuff will also incapacitate the user making them easy prey.

It is a tool, just like firearms. One may be better in certain situations. If I only carry one, it is a firearm. I'll take both along sometimes, but would not want to rely entirely on spray.

Is this stuff like mace or a pepper spray?

Glidergeek wrote:oleo capsicum? How bout just using a taiser on them like cops do

58Skylane wrote:

Glidergeek wrote:oleo capsicum? How bout just using a taiser on them like cops do

Thinking about getting some bear spray for them California Smokey Bears?