@HomeInWildSpaces the best defense against man or beast is a firearm. If you love being in the outdoors exploring, fishing, hiking, or even hunting you need to be proficient in the use and maintenance of your firearms. Training with a firearm may cost you thousands of dollars but it could save your life against man or beast. You can choose to carry bear spray but I choose to carry a firearm.

Political terrorists huh? Unsub leftist scumbag.

@davesmith7432, I'm accustomed to these types of responses, but what is remarkable to me is how often they are unjustified. If you pay attention to photos I use to discuss the problem with political terrorists misusing bear spray, you will note that the photos demonstrate misuse by both the "right" and the "left". I appreciate your passion, but I think it's led you to a demonstrably false conclusion-as passions typically do. I'm simply raising awareness about misuse. I do not see that as political. Best wishes!

your commentary is negligent and you might be liable!

@@dwaynediesel6079 If you have an example, I welcome the feedback. But what is presented here is the most complete and balanced examination of this topic give the data currently available.

Yep to all of this

*^THIS!^*

I live this, always carry a pepper spray because you dont want to kill something or someone just because it presents a threat, if it presents a threat depending on the level maybe harassingly then deploy, if the first line of defense fails and threat increases to imminent bodily harm to death.....then i use my handgun, if second layer of defense fails because as you all know adrenaline is a hell of a thing and something or someone in it can keep going then my trusty boker knife or any high quality knife as a third is good. But yes this concept is good!

I've encountered multiple grizzlies over the years, and I'm far more concerned when in proximity to a moose than a bear.

You are so right. The social fear of bears has eclipsed respect and the justified trepidation of other animals often considered "cute". I love a good moose or bison encounter, but I never loose sight of the fact that both can be temperamental and dangerous. Thanks for sharing your experience and your insights!

Of course firearms are “not allowed” in Yellowstone Park. Guess they are I stand corrected just not in government buildings. However, be prepared for a costly ordeal and maybe jail time if you shoot a grizzly in the park, they’ll try to bury you with a minimum $50,000.00 fine and jail.

@@bobinmontana777 like im going there totally defenceless except for the protection of a ranger that might be on lunch break or in a meeting . Youll recognise me as the guy with the sawed off bazooka.

@@bobinmontana777 sure they are, just not inside gov buildings

It’s a matter of the law of large numbers, the speed and ubiquity of communications, and the old saying, “If it bleeds, it leads.” These are high impact, low frequency events. When they do happen, they get a lot of attention. They are sensational, often grizzly. There were 41,000 deaths by fatal car accidents in the US in 2023, but no one cares on a day to day basis to hear about them. Unless you live in a small town, you probably won’t even hear about one that happened nearby. Since 1784, there have only been 180 fatal bear attacks in all of North America. Of course, if you are number 181, it will be an extremely impactful event, but you are in much, much higher danger driving to work, swimming in your pool, or even owning a dog. It is the rarity and brutality of bear attacks that ensures you are more likely to hear about them.

In the 70’s there were a little over ~100 grizzlies in the Yellowstone area. Now they are pushing 1100. I just went hiking in the Tetons and didn’t see a single deer or elk, and there was a LOT of ungrazed forage all over. There are plenty of cases in which the hiker could not avoid finding himself near a mom/cub. When you do the math, there might be one bear per square mile. If you are doing a 10 mile hike…..

And all those people were doing nothing out of the ordinary, in fact, doing very ordinary things. None of them were stomping along a bear trail in a suit made of fresh steaks and salmon, looking to take on a bear one on one. Put that one in your pipe, ye ordinary folk.

Great comment! Your best tool is your brain. And anyone who knows anything about bear safety would never reject an effective tool and will make proficiency a priority.

Thanks! And thanks for sharing your own experience. I encountered a grizzly that was hit by a truck once myself. In my case it got up eventually and wandered off into the forest. There are remarkably powerful animals.

I carried the 45/70 stainless short barrel "guide gun" for a few years when out in the bush up there, but found when going to the bathroom I would set it down. An old fella pointed that out and I switched to the 500 S&W. took a painful time to get good with it but once I was good I started carrying that.

Love your comment! I hope to help other people come to the same realization. Tools are tools. Culture wars regarding which is "best" aren't helpful. They have their appropriate function, and in the right hands they can be very effective. Thanks so much for watching and commenting! I hope you'll consider sharing the video and help get the message out. Cheers!

I live in alaska and like you i carry both. the spray is for bears, the 10mm is for the aggro methheads

You may not plan to enter bear territory but you never know when a bear might enter your territory. I live in the Piedmont area of NC and although bears are very rare in this part of the state they are not non existent. We are in their migration path and a couple of times a year they are seen in the area. And most people don't even realize it until they see one for themselves or on the local news. If you live in a major city you probably don't have to worry about it, but otherwise you should know that bears are present at least occasionally almost everywhere in North America.

@libertyspike8890 thats interesting. I forgot bears lived in NC

@@frogglen6350they live in like 48 states lol

I live in bear country. And it's on the northwest border of NC. I've seen bear in Avery County. Nit as dense as they are an hour away at my house in TN. They're thicker than thieves over here. Thanks Gatlinburg. And bear spray is faulty and what to do when the bear and wind are coming from same direction. Seen too many stories of sorry failure. A hand full of failures. I thought there were only a handful of bear attacks. You're being negligent. Bears are known to eat expended cans to get to left over spray and that they'll roll in spray areas. Hard to stop a bear coming at you 30mph. Sounds like an anti gun commercial.

I live in the UK, have no plans to visit a zoo soon and we also don't really have guns here... and I still found this interesting 😅

My pleasure. I very much had the same struggle and I quickly learned that I could not trust popular information. I needed accurate information. I’m very pleased with the reception of this video, and hope it will help a lot of people navigate all the conflicting and misleading information. Welcome aboard! Much more to come.

Unless you miss...

@@CEdwards-yf3fp I won't miss unless there is a tree in the way. Lol.

So a large caliber rifle?

the expert he quoted pointed out that it doesnt matter if its a really mad bear. Tell me this, are you here to bash bear spray or defend guns? Because if youre here only to defend your precious guns you have 1000% missed the point of the video. And if you make such a statement, it would be nice if you defended it by referencing the number of years you spent in bear country which is how many exactly...?

@@aejenkins3048 I am here to save peoples lives. Don't be an idiot.

@@anautisticswede6748 My friend: A) LIFE is banned in SWEDEN!!!!! or .... - this is exactly what the topic with bears is about. Therefore, it is your choice - either to FOLLOW THE LAW against LIFE or not to fulfill it WHEN YOU ARE GOING TO THE WILDERNESS, TO THE VILLAGE WITH THE BEARS.... ... I DO NOT know the laws of SWEDEN, but I believe the ban on weapons and spray ONLY APPLIES to daily CARRYING IN PUBLIC AREAS .... .... in CANADA, where I constantly visit (I'm in the US), pistols and revolvers are also prohibited AND I DO NOT CARRY A BARREL IN MY POCKET, but when I'm in the WILDERNESS - I ALWAYS HAVE A PAIR OF REVOLVERS WITH ME .... - I'm alone I’m flying to hell in the middle of nowhere and I don’t really care what the RULES AND LAWS IN CANADA ON THE TOPIC OF WEAPONS are, - I’m concerned about my safety and no one can PROHIBIT me from this.. INSIDE THE USA I have no problems with weapons - I have all the permits for this ( I’m almost 76 years old and I haven’t killed anyone and never shot at people like me..., - at people..) .... ....B) if in SWEDEN THERE ARE SUCH STUPID LAWS THAT IT IS impossible to ensure YOUR SAFETY IN THE WILDERNESS, then 1) you need to demand the CANCELLATION of this absurdity 2) or make a law that - when you go somewhere IN THE WILDERNESS PLACES you must have PROTECTION FROM STATE BUSINESS!!!!!!!!

@@anautisticswede6748 "potential PRISON sentence..." : I would rather BE IN PRISON than BE EATEN BY AN Beast OR MAILED BY IT... ... In addition, ALTHOUGH I am an American and don’t know what SOUTH SWEDEN is (although the last time I was in MALMÖ was in July of this year, and the first time I visited was in the distant 60s of the last century AND I WAS SURPRISED not by the “good-natured bears of SWEDEN” , and the fact that you GROW WHEAT there...) .... .... SO, we have different bears here - there are GRIZZLYS, THERE ARE BROWN BEARS, AND THERE ARE BLACK BEARS (the latter crawling through garbage containers).... and, ATTENTION!, you need to remember and know ONE thing - this is a beast and it doesn’t matter where it comes from he is FROM SWEDEN OR THE FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA... ... Once again - the topic is about how to MAKE YOUR STAY SAFE in the habitats of CARNIVOROUS ANIMALS ... - and what kind of bears are there and what is allowed and prohibited there - THIS IS OUT OF TOPIC.

@@MrPetrvershinin In Greece is prohibited the possession and use of bear spray or any peper spray. Is almost impossible to get a handgun license for self-defense and is against the law to carry a shotgun out of the hunting season, rifles are forbitten and the most important you can't shot a bear.

@@raptorkravmaga9977 1) how many bears are there in GREECE??? WEAPONS are prohibited in GREECE, even for hunting, FOR SELF-DEFENSE of your HOME.. etc., etc. In this regard, two questions: A) do people kill in GREECE and are they convicted of murder B) and the basic question - IS LIVING IN GREECE ALSO FORBIDDEN???? CONCLUSION: if there are BEARS in GREECE and you go to “visit” them, AND YOU ARE NOT ACCOMPANIED BY THE STATE BUSINESS (the state, which prohibits itself from PROTECTING FROM BEARS AND OTHER ANIMALS, even with SPRAYS), that is, there is no STATE in the FOREST, but there is only you and BEASTS - then LIFE ALLOWS YOU TO HAVE BOTH SPRAY AND WEAPONS....!!!!!!!! LIFE ALLOWS, not some BUSINESS called the STATE. But when you return TO THE TERRITORY OF THE STATE and are afraid that you will be arrested for weapons, etc., JUST DO SO THAT NO ONE SEES HIM, - ----- just like you visited the home of the beast WITHOUT PROTECTION FROM ANYONE - be with state business not a NAIVE CREATURE, but one who understands WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT IN LIFE....

You are very kind. This and my other videos are the culmination of more than 20 years of learning about bears and learning how to co-exist with them. During that time, I realized better resources were needed. I'm honored and gladdened that you found my video of value. Thanks for sharing the video. It's viewers like you that will likely have the greatest influence in getting the message out there. I really appreciate your efforts on that front. Take care, and I hope you'll hang around for much more.

A wounded bear will fight for its life. A curious bear will run away.

@@jasonbyu75 pain from pepper spray and pain from a bullet are both “wounds” to the bear’s brain so this comment is irrelevant

@@RunD.Ones1s the world’s foremost statistical database suggests there is a difference in how the bear reacts.

@@jasonbyu75 no they don’t, you’re referencing a study that cooked the numbers to deter people from carrying guns, a skilled marksman can take down a bear with greater regularity than a can of pepper spray, that’s an incontrovertible fact, most folks aren’t skilled marksman though

Say it again for the people in the back to hear. Choosing bear spray over a firearm is like choosing a glass of water to fight a tsunami

​@@graylonperson9012 You can't fight against a tsunami. You can fight against a bear. That's such a dumb comparison.

i hope you realize that has added basically nothing to the discussion and you didn't even bother to justify WHY you don't trust bear spray. did you come here to listen to the points listed in this video or did you only come here to simp for firearms?

@@graylonperson9012 clearly you did not hear anything said in the video about how bear spray works. Plus all you actually said is the most surface level response that addresses nothing in the video and didn't even teach me anything. Seriously, if you are here to learn, stay. If you are here just to be a simp for your precious firearms, or to simp over your desperate desire to shoot a bear (when the key in bear country should be avoiding confrontations with bears in the first place) there is this place called Reddit

@@nightowl7261 this channel literally has a video about why you shouldn't fight a bear. Yes the comparison is dumb i agree but in bear country, the key to surviving is avoiding confrontations with a bear, not waving a gun around hoping that a bear shows up

Thanks for the feedback! Thumbnails are not my speciality, but they are important. Glad you were able to find it!

I love reading comments like this! It means that people are conscious and aware of the nuanced factors at play AND that they are dedicated to employing their tools responsibly. Such a mentality will take you far. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your response to the video! Stay safe!

Good points, however, don't go in the woods if laws prevent you from possessing a firearm... Or, be discreat and do it anyway... What is the old saying? "I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by six"... Some of The Appalachian Trail(s) states don't even have reciprocity for licensed concealed carry people... Here in Texas you can open carry pretty much everywhere in public, though I am personally opposed to tipping off any bad guy that I have a firearm... Yes, bear maulings and killing of humans is per capita quite rare, but they do happen.

@@frisk151It might blow away your mind, but people living in country with gun laws are still perfectly capable of living their life without being afraid for their life constantly. Plenty of Canadian hike and return home safely despite the risk of bear encounter. Education save more life than gun.

​@@nikogarcia201 The gun lobby in the US has succeeded in scaring grown men into thinking they are unsafe unless they carry (at least) a 9mm with a 15 round mag. That urban 2A mindset doesn't work in the wilderness.

EXACTLY!... I'll use BOTH bc wind can screw ur spray. That, and it would be AWESOME if there was a BANG! w. each pull of the nozzle. If I had just 1...it'd be the gun bc bears react to BOTH the bullet AND the BANG! sound of the firearm going off. So in effect it's a 2fer!

I carry both too, I also have over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience so besides a gun and bear spray, I carry a Kris - that is a large Filipino knife with a curvy blade. A real serious weapon !

Sounds like you're using your most important tool-your head. I love reading comments like this. Too many people are so locked up in culture wars that they can't see what is plain to see. Tools have both a proper use, and a skill thresholded needed to operate them effectively. Proficiency with multiple tools provides much improved security. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

I'm in Petersburg, where you live?

@@ericoverdorff8880 I currently live in Oregon. But spent most of my time in juneau / Haines area. As a kid I was on Admiralty island. Looking to return to Juneau in the future.

@amschroed89 I was born in juneau, moved here in 73. I use to go deer hunting every fall on admiralty, Gambier bay, I use to find it exciting, lots of brownies. Deer heart and king crab every night for the week we spent hunting. My hunting buddy moved south 5,6 years ago and in my mid 60s I get enough excitement just hunting mitkof island and the mainland. Plus the water always sucks in late September when we'd go. Trying to get home in heavy seas in my 21 foot cabin cruiser was sometimes more scary than blowing the deer call on admiralty. I hope you make it back to Southeastern Alaska, those that haven't spent time here don't know just how beautiful, adventurous, and wild it is.

My pleasure! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and offer your feedback! Your engagement makes it all the more likely that internet algorithms with continue to share this video with other people. Thanks for being part of the solution!

I appreciate that! For years, I've been reviewing the internet's information on bear attacks and bear safety and have sort of been perpetually frustrated with all the nonsense out there. As time has gone on, and I've encountered more bears and written more on bear attacks and bear safety, it become clear that I needed to put some solid audio-visual resources together. It's taken a while, but I'm hopeful that my videos will help clear up some of the dangerous nonsense and help both people and bears. Much more to come! I hope you'll consider sharing this and my other bear safety videos. The information can't help people unless they have access to it. Thanks again!

Sounds like Todd Orr’s experience verbatim. I’ve spoken with Todd personally and look forward to decoding his experience in a video in the next couple months. Stay tuned!

Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your background. What you say is true. Traveling with a competent companion, and being properly prepared with bear spray and a firearm if you are proficient with it and know when to use it is the closest thing to a guarantee you can get in bear country.

You're very kind. After years of watching problematic resources, I set out to make the best resources I could. Addressing the debate over "which is best" was always going to be critically important. And I'm pleased with the response. I'm hoping, with time, to make a meaningful contribution to the topic of bear safety. Thanks again for watching and commenting! Much more to come.

@@HomeInWildSpaces one thing I learned young and press on every beginner/bear naive: “fear isn’t helpful so keep it under control” This is how I think about it: Your safer not fearing bears but respecting them with the understanding it’s under penalty of death.

Yeah. Rogan has followed the path of most of the internet where clicks and ad revenue are the ultimate standards used to define “success”. I define success as providing reliable, factual, actionable information. It doesn’t get as many clicks. But clicks are only valuable to me if I know I’m giving people reliable information. If I lie or misled like others, I could never call myself successful. Misleading people is the opposite of success.

​@@HomeInWildSpaces, You wouldn't know success if it were biting your butt. Your clearly a bunny hugger agenda driven know nothing w NO experience whos going to get people killed w your bullshyt. Theres a special place in hell for your kind.

I'll discuss in a future video. Stay tuned.

Apparently the four or five built in safeties on the Glock are not enough.

@@kenginter6112What?

I think that's a valid point. "Why not just simplify?" The topic of safety in bear country is so polarizing and controversial to so many people that it takes time to sufficiently discuss the details and explain why every adult should carry and be proficient with bear spray and those who carry a gun should be sufficiently proficient and responsible in handling them. In truth I don't encourage people to carry a firearm. They are very effective tools in the right hands. Neither bear spray or a gun will be effective without sufficient training, practice, and respect for the tool. That is I encourage people need understand their tool(s) and to be responsible and proficient with them. Thanks for watching and for offering your feedback!

Good point I think he just feels clever making it as complicated as possible.

Pistols illegal in all Canada sadly sir,&60%of grizzly seasons are even closed there,Alberta&BC.😢

Exactly.

Really, and what should you deploy first the spray or the handgun?

@@backwoodscharlie8483 Good question, I think that depends on the situation, especially on a wind swept ridge with 20 mph head wind. I certainly would not want the plume of pepper spray coming back at me and affecting my abilities. Warning shot might be the best way to frighten off a close encounter. I think awareness in the bush and maintaining distance is always the best practice. If the situation was grim, and I realized I was rapidly becoming part of the food chain, I think I would be inclined to pull the pistol.

​@michaelbaldini8554 I'm an avid hunter and outdoorsman who lives in Grizzly country. My answer to this is as follows. I very rarely hunt or travel alone. My primary hunting partners go to is bear spray. Mine is a gun as I am the more proficient shooter. We both generally carry both. However having both basis covered in the event of a negative encounter gives the best chance of a successful outcome.

I definitely would not hike in yellowstone without bear spray, and while it would not be bad to have in while hiking in Rocky Mt NP, there's such a low population of bears within the park that it probably wasn't all that risky. But I'd definitely rather have the option should the need arise. But yeah. I never head into the backcountry in Yellowstone without at least bear spray. Thanks for sharing your experience and what you learned. We all start somewhere, and we all make mistakes. The best we can do is learn from them, and it sounds like you've done that. Thanks for your comment!

Yeah I thought the Alaska standard at one point was a can of bear spray on your chest and a magnum rifle slung. You train to have the gun on target by the time the can of spray succeeded or failed. Or that’s what I read anyways. But yeah dumb to have a gun without spray!!! The other way around can be necessary in certain unfortunate situations(usually avoid these places)…

Things marketed as medical supplies.

Thank you sir. My thoughts exactly. Carry both. Or have someone w/ you w/ spray while you carry

You are going to fight a grizzly with a hatchet. The bear has 5 claws on each foot that are longer than your fingers. These claws are suitable for tearing open fallen logs. You can't be serious?

@@HughButler-lb6zs You. Just have poor reading comprehension. I talked about bear spray, a firearm, and a small hatchet. Obviously, the hatchet is the last line of defense. A strategically placed hatched blow, at the point, may make the difference in the bear backing off of you once upon you. Hatchets are also great utility tools to have in the wild/wilderness. But I suppose you could just surrender and lay there and let the bear eat you because the bear spray didn’t work or the shots from the firearm missed or didn’t stop it. Go for it Hugh.

I appreciate that. Yeah, many of the critical comments are clearly written by people who didn't bother to watch the full video. Not much I can do if people aren't willing to consider the facts. It does make me appreciate those who do spend the time to watch the full video. So thanks! I hope you'll consider watching and sharing the follow up to this video. It's the most important bear safety video I've released yet. Link: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a9ihlJd8zdDUg3k.html

I love reading comments like yours. There are too many people who are stuck in the "either/or" camp and seem unable to understand that a person who appreciates the value and proper use of each tool is far better off than anyone in the either/or camp. I commend you for recognizing the value of bear spray, and also understanding that being sufficiently versed with a firearm is a strong backup. A balanced and informed traveler is a rare breed. Thanks for watching and taking the time to share your perspective! Hope to hear from you again!

By all means carry both. But the most important thing is to remember which you should pull first. People have made the mistake of not knowing which to grab first, and wasted precious seconds. Judging how bear spray is only effective at stopping aggressive brown bears 33% of the time according to one of the author's of the study he mentioned, I think it's quite clear which you should grab first. If you don't believe me, watch this video, it has proof and sources. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bdyCf7OfqdLSfYk.htmlfeature=shared

I'm glad you brought that up. It's one a few attacks where bear spray seemingly failed. Of course we lack all the information necessary to draw a definitive conclusion. I did however address Doug and Jenny's story in this analysis video. I hope you'll check it out (link below). Too many people see what they want to see in the Banff attack without recognizing the lifesaving lessons evident in that tragedy. And the internet is almost completely unhelpful as a whole. Lifesaving lessons from deadly Banff attack: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pp2imqunrq_Hj5c.html

It was my understanding that the bear spray they had was defective.

Also, was it just one can of bear spray? One would think they'd both have a can.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I've gotten some bear spray (a low dosage) in my eyes and it's nasty. I think people really don't understand the involuntary response to this stuff and how powerful it is, especially when used effectively. Thanks for sharing your experience!

My pleasure! Thanks a ton for watching and commenting! I hope you'll also consider sharing this video and helping get the message out.

Thanks for watching! I will be talking more about animals in the future. I'm planning to make a video on Colorado recently releasing wolves. They've been missing on the landscape for close to a century, and for the first time a State wildlife agency has brought them back. Looking forward to discussing this and more.

Thanks so much for watching and for your feedback! Bears are often not given enough credit for their efforts to avoid conflicts. I can't think of better evidence than 30+ years of wilderness exploration without a single conflict. But I also love that you still prioritize carrying deterrents. Thanks for sharing!

Stay tuned. Tomorrow my video on the Bear Attack ABC's drops. Knowing and following the ABC's is as close as you can get to a guarantee.

Don't go into bear country.

There are no guarantees. I'm sure there are people who have died who had both spray and a firearm

Thank you! It's been many years in the making. Glad you enjoyed it! Much more to come.

Thanks for your kind feedback, and for sharing your thoughts and concerns. If one of the couples you are referring to includes the couple killed in Banff this year I hope you'll take the time to watch my full analysis video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pp2imqunrq_Hj5c.html There are some people who extrapolate far more from antidotal incidents than they have any logical right to extrapolate and often use a handful of failed deployments to feed fears, and frustrate true understanding. That's why I'm spending more time creating these resources. Much more to come. I hope to hear from you again.

Johnny Knoxville says that by far the worst self defense tool ever used on him was pepper spray, that included rubber bullets. If it's goo enough to stop Knoxville, it's good enough to stop a bear.

Glad you enjoyed it! That's the great thing about bear spray. It's really not just for bears. It works quite well on mountain lions too.

I doubt you've met many bears at all, much less charging ones. Guns are a necessary tool at times. If you watched the full video, you would know this. It's not a matter of "best". Guns and bear spray are tools with their appropriate function. That's it. Both are highly effective in the right hands. Bear spray is far easier to master and deploy and is extremely effective. But a gun in the right hands is a very effective tool as well. People should simply be proficient with the tools they select, and there's no good reason to not carry bear spray. A brain shot is very difficult to pull off when a bear is charging you at 30+ miles per hour, even for highly proficient shooters. Chances are, you're not getting that brain shot. That doesn't mean the gun won't work, but it's best to have a healthy respect for these animals, and the limitations of one's abilities.

You expect us to believe a story you are alive to tell. You sound like Joe Biden.

@@HughButler-lb6zs retired DNR. Any other questions? ….son.

@@HomeInWildSpaces It is useless to discuss probability with people who cannot distinguish between individual and general incidents. The same people, who prefer (hand)guns to bear spray because of a few cases, strangely go to work despite people winning millions in the lottery every week.

Incredible isn't it? Most well-adjusted gen-x commenters 😅

@@Tom-ahawk These snippets of US public discussion always weird me out to no end...I thought KZfaq just threw me down an innocent auto-play rabbit hole about bears...nope, ends up in some absurd conspiracy views...

There’s certainly lots of dumb comments on this thread coming from people on the right politically. Not everything is a conspiracy. But coming from a right leaning position as as a hunter/outdoors enthusiast, here’s a few thoughts. No matter how we want to describe the outdoors, it’s the wild, unpredictable, and we are the weaker species out there. People will always want to explore nature and we have every right to. And no matter how sophisticated we become, we can never remove the fine line between civilization and the brutality of nature, despite how beautiful it is. On a basic level, someone who’s used firearms their whole life simply knows it works. Firepower is real, measurable, and the only guaranteed method to end an attacker like a bear. That can cause a false sense of security, non-proficient users, chance of missing, wrong caliber, etc. but knowing your life is potentially on the line as an angry bear charges, a firearm is much more inspiring than a can of spray. In my opinion. Particularly for those who’ve never deployed bear spray on a charging bear and seen it work. We’re going on 20 or so years of history, data, and culture vs hundreds of years of deeply engrained firearm usage. So for that person coming from that background, who sees National park services, wildlife conservation experts, etc fully recommend bear spray while simultaneously discouraging gun usage, it’s a bit off putting. Not to mention that firearm usage, even in self defense of a bear, is illegal in many parks like Yellowstone. And in places like Alaska, should you defend yourself from a bear with firearm, you not only will have to skin the bear and return its hide/skull, you’ll also be subject to the scrutiny of a detailed investigation from possibly biased individuals from those said agencies to prove whether you did so in self defense or not (all considering a bear population over 100,000 in Alaska). So the growing narrative from the “experts” on bear safety is guns are bad and bear spray is good, or at least bear spray is a far more effective tool. And some of those agencies (National parks for example) send the message that protecting bear populations is more important than both your 2nd ammendment rights, and maybe even your life. Because ultimately, if you’re limiting what individuals can use to protect themselves to bear spray, whether in a park boundary or not, you’re biasing a desire to protect bears at the expense of others’ rights, and possibly their lives. And let’s be honest. Department heads of the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, EPA, etc are more likely to be liberal than conservative. That’s just my opinion, but I’m sure I’m not the only one with that perspective. Many comments in this thread have been derogatory, poorly articulated, and labeling of people that don’t see it their way. That’s very unfortunate and annoying. I don’t defend that. But being anti-gun is more commonly associated with the left, and the agencies pushing bear spray seem to be doing a fabulous job at denigrating the use of firearms as an alternative option. And if you were to survey people who recreate in bear country that only bring bear spray, you’d probably find that the majority of them would lean left in their political worldview. Can two things be true at once and bear spray be more preferable across a wide range of bear encounters than firearms, AND those pushing its usage are more often liberal than conservative? Sure. For me personally, I’m going to bring both in grizzly country. Both are useful tools in different situations. But educating people about bear spray to use bear spray and follow all bear safety guidelines without the mention of firearms is a mistake and a purposeful one, in my opinion. You might see firearm education and usage for emergency responders, fish and game officers, etc. but you’ll rarely see that messaging to the general public. That says a lot to me.

Later today.

Glad you enjoyed it! It's probably been the hardest video I've yet produced, but one that I've been desperate to put out for years. I'm hoping that it will reach a great many people and help them be more capable and prepared should they encounter a bear. Everyone benefits, humans and bears. Thanks again!

Good thing it'll stay a fantasy for most of them. Imagine getting excited about having to shoot an animal in self defense, because you entered it's territory for sightseeing.

Could not have said that better myself

@@nephone i agree. their fantasizing over any opportunity they can to put a bullet through a bear's face is ridiculous

Great question. I'm going to cover this in my Bear Attack ABCs video. Hoping to have that video out in the next couple months before denning season is over. Stay tuned.

You try to build a wall( a barrier) for the bear to go through. When effected by the fog of spray, the bear should discontinue his attack. You should continue spraying the bear until he leaves.

Why would a bear be forced to do that or appeared/sound like they are?

Same thing applies to shooting.

Easier than trying to shoot it

A silly remark, as spray diffuses with distance, meaning it forms a cloud. A bear's sense of smell is much more acute than a human's. Therefore, it's an effective deterrent. Are you saying that aiming a firearm to hit a moving target with precision is easier?! Lol 😆 Any rounds you get off would have to hit the charging bear right in the mouth, snout or forehead, and penetrate to be effective.

@@geoffreyeble32 depends on the caliber and distance surprise commitment of bear , accuracy Id rather use spray if I can. But always carry 45 70 will kill with one shot. If you can hit it. Right.

*If you are sufficiently proficient and responsible with them.

You are so welcome! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and most especially for offering your feedback! I hope you'll also consider sharing this video and help get the message out. Thanks again! Much more to come!

Bear horns can work. But I would not forego bear spray or (if you are proficient) an appropriate firearm.

Timothy Treadwell in fact once used bear spray on a grizzly. It worked so well, that he felt bad about using it and refused to ever use it again. He did not have bear spray when he was killed. You got to be careful. It’s so easy to learn the wrong lessons from bear attacks.

Timothy Treadwell played with fire and got burnt If my memory serves me right his girlfriend also was killed.

@HomeInWildSpaces I wasn't there, and I didn't know Timothy Treadwell. But from the account I read he became over confident in his ability to co-exist with bears. He was attacked by a predatory bear and most of the bear stories have been about defensive bears. I see the same thing here about using guns on bears. There is a lot that can go wrong when using guns.That's why I lean towards bear spray, because it is much simpler to execute. But I also spiritually believe when it's your time you will go, and if not you won't.

@@HughButler-lb6zs I'll just stay out of the woods and beat the odds

Treadwell also got way too close to the bears on a regular basis, if you've ever watched the videos he recorded.

I live in N.Az as well an yes the bears are very present so be safe

Glad it was helpful! For years I looked for quality resources and found few. As a lifelong explorer and writer it became clear I needed to seek out the world's leading authorities and the very best data. I'm happy to be able to now share the facts. Thanks for watching and commenting! If you're in need of a practice canister, I hope you'll consider using the affiliate links in the description.

Do they sell practice charging bears??

@@backwoodscharlie8483 lol. That would be nice. But no. No practice bears, just analogs.

You're getting at the most important and reliable deterrent-being with other people. However, your odds are best if you have multiple people who stand their ground and use bear spray. To my knowledge there is not a single case of a bear making contact with a person when two or more people stand their ground. A firearm is an unquestionable asset in the right hands. A warning shot can and often does deter a bear before they come within range of bear spray. And of course the appropriate gun in the right hands can end a threat once and for all if necessary. But it's really best to use bear spray first and in unison. The clear exception being a strong head wind.

10mm glock in a chest rig is what the debate is about... Not a 308 with a scope. Plenty of accounts or a pissed-off bear ignores the spray and mauls people

@@blantant there are very few places on a bear that will cause instant death, nevermind hitting them during a charge. And even a fatal shot can take up to 20 seconds to register with the brain that PS bear, you're dead! In a charge and maul 20 seconds is a loooong time. To an intent bear, accustomed to pain when fighting off rivals or wolves, they can plow through without seeming to notice the sting of a bullet. Pepper spray acts on the senses - sight is affected dramatically, as is smell. It tends to be noticed and responded to instantly, because loss of senses makes the bear vulnerable, and they know that. If they can't see or smell the inclination - most of the time - is to get away from the danger, not press on. I believe that is a big part of why it is so effective. Nothing is 100% guaranteed.

@@Gr8tBlueHeronExactly. Spray isn't something bears are used to, so it hits them with a combination of surpise and a very unpleasant assault on the senses. With bears, the very olfactory response that gives them such an edge in smell actually intensifies the effect of the spray. It's bad enough if we get sprayed, but almost all bears just can't stand it, plus they don't know what it is.

@@blantant Not"plenty" but yes, some bears are like Mike Tyson

​@@blantantdid you not watch the video? A 10mm was barelt mentioned. Thats not what it was about

Why not? Did you not learn about wireless methods of torture?

Really appreciate your feedback! Thanks so much for watching!

There are a great many reasons why long guns sometimes fail. And they also work at times. Just a lot of variables. Bolt actions can be effective, as can shotguns, but they wouldn't be my first, second, third, forth or fifth choice. There are better options. Though a 12 gauge with a slug can be very effective in the right hands.

Honestly I don't think it really matters. The bleeding hearts will continue to bleed and cry foul, the willfully ignorant will continue being so, and the people who need that message the most are going to ignore it

It's in the works. Stay tuned.

I love reading comments like yours. So many people are locked into a one or the other club. Bear spray and the right gun are tools. Both have their place, and both have value as bear defense. Those who focus on how and when to use them effectively rather than getting bogged down in a culture war enjoy deep defensive options. But as you've pointed out. We'd all prefer to never have need of either. If you haven't yet watched it, I hope you'll check out my Bear Attack ABCs video. It covers how to almost guarantee that you'll never need either while discussing how and when to use both. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a9ihlJd8zdDUg3k.html

@@HomeInWildSpaces I appreciate that. Also, I appreciate your non biased approach to this particular conversation. We need more content like this. Facts don't care about opinions. The reality is, a bears olfactory system is probably their strongest sense. So it makes sense to attack that first. With their extreme mass, getting sufficient penetration will be difficult with most handgun rounds. If ever I decide to go into grizzly country, I'll definitely have bear spray with me! I haven't watched it yet, but I will. Thanks

I was one of those people. Your right we carry firearms to have maximum lethal power. Having said that I only carried spray on my hip when I was fishing the rivers for steelhead in B.C. Skeena region. Hard to carry long guns when your wading and casting. Knowing what tool to use and when comes down to the job and experience. So it’s not just as simple as carrying a gun!

I welcome specific example of bear spray not working. There are cases where it seekingly was inadequate, but most of the examples people use are misunderstood.

@@HomeInWildSpaces they report any time bear spray is used and their not attacked as successful for bear spray that's marketing hype 😂

Who is “they”? Again, specific examples are helpful. I’ve been analyzing bear attacks and attack reports for ten years, and if there is one thing that is consistent, it’s that people constantly draw false conclusions when both bear spray and firearms are used. The social understanding is a mess. Specifics are necessary to draw accurate conclusions.

@@HomeInWildSpaces the bear spray and fish and wildlife agencies. To protect the wildlife. They care more about the dollar than the ppl. Show me where bears have been stopped in real life experiences. They can live for a minute without a heart. The spray won't work when their adrenaline is up

There is data showing people protecting themselves using firearms since Louis & Clarke, probably even longer ..... there are no guarantees...I imagine a bear being deterred by Bear Spray is up to the Bear ...

I absolutely will. Much more to come. I hope you'll stay tuned.

I really appreciate the feedback. I don't claim to be the most experienced or proficient with long or short guns. Nor am I equally practiced with all the systems displayed in the video. But, I would add that I was using the rifles in a manner contrary to their proper use (close quarters defense simulation). I think most people would find their form lacking under those circumstances, but that was my point. It's my hope that my footage helps people understand the limitations of various defense options so that they could better decide on how to defend themselves AND make proficiency which the weapon they choose a top priority. I'll discuss carrying and not carrying with one in the chamber in coming videos. Again, thanks for watching and for your advice. It is received with appreciation.

@@HomeInWildSpaces Thank you for your reply to mine. I think what you showed and did very accurately reflected the way many people would carry and use the various firearms. Which is great, and reinforces that bear spray should be the first choice if choosing between it or a firearm to carry. imho, as previously noted ; ) I am a very proficient and experienced shooter. I like Tom Smith's advice about what to use under different circumstances as relayed in your video at about 33:40. Bottom line is I agree with your fundamental point and don't want that to get lost in a conversation about technique.

He was using a glock at that point in the video but he does have to address the range of pistols people have out there. I think it's totally reasonable to raise the issue of what state to carry the weapon in, especially for fatiguing multi-day trips and presence of kids/untrained people etc

Probably less than a firearm. Not sure why you'd ask that on THIS video though.

No liability if u skeedattle like Fred Flintstone.

​@@tightwadhe did commercials for cigarettes, im not sure he'd be able to skeedaddle anywhere

If you use bear spray for legitimate self-defense reasons, I don't expect there would be any great legal liability. As long as it was legitimate self-defense.

Yes. Electric bear fences are greatly underutilized tools. They are only really effective in camp when placed around your sleeping area, sometimes food, but they can be extremely effective. Food and trash storage is a bit trickier. Bear canisters are generally very effective, but they can be quite bulky and heavy. I always suggest consulting wildlife and land managers who are responsible for the area(s) you intend to visit for best food and trash storage practices. I do love ultralight backpacking, and that means shaving ounces whenever possible, but if you're heading into bear country, I strongly advise taking at least bear spray. I cover bear safety in my Bear Attack ABCs video. I invite you to check it out for best backcountry practices: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a9ihlJd8zdDUg3k.html

I appreciate the feedback. I'll discuss the why of my decision to generally carry with an empty chamber in the backcountry. Stay tuned.

I have read several reports stating anywhere between 90 & 97% efficiency for bear spray in repelling bears. Where do you get your information?

Excellent advice. I would add, make sure you're proficient with your defense systems, otherwise they're just a security blanket.

@HomeInWildSpaces yeah exactly, that was a big thing that I said about a self-defense weapons as well or Home Defense weapon, the weapon isn't really as important as making sure you can use it efficiently and effectively useing it. That you are comfortable and confident with it. A hunting rifle is probably not a great Home Defense tool, but if you were to use it properly, you could mitigate bad accident and other people being hurt, by using self defense rounds, lower velocity rounds, or ones specifically for expansion not penitration for self defense.

Terrific question! I'll discuss in greater detail in future videos, but I will say this. A deterrent is like wearing a seatbelt while riding in a car. The odds of needing it are pretty small, but you'll sure be glad you have a deterrent should you need one. Some advise carrying two cans of bear spray in order to mitigate concerns like those you've expressed. And sometimes you don't need to empty a whole canister to deter a bear, so one canister may be enough. Without a crystal ball, it's hard to say for certain. In general, if you've had an aggressive encounter (an attempted attack or repeated hostile encounters) with a bear I would advise you end your trip and contact wildlife authorities asap. If you have seen a bear or bear sign near your campsite, I would move camp a mile or more away. But it's also helpful to learn to read a bear's behavior. On at least one occasion I had a bear wander though my campsite within 10 feet of my tent, but it was clear the bear was not looking for food or even curious about us. It was just moving from point A to point B and my camp just happened to be in the middle. Sometimes you just have to make your best judgement call. I advise erring on the side of caution. Hope that helps! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

while you are waiting on that video to come out, If you have deployed spray and succesfully avoided a bear attack you should vacate the area. Some bears may be fully scared away but some are quite likely to return. Bears like people are all different and its best not to gamble with your life .

​@@TzeentchLordofChange --said Timothy Treadwell to NOBODY EVER, including himself.

As far as I've been able to discern, bear spray misfires are not a recurring issue. But, your concern demonstrates a key element of bear safety. Ideally, you never want your safety to hinge upon a single defensive option. I hope you'll watch my Bear Attacks ABCs video. It goes over layering your defenses and effectively guaranteeing you'll never be attacked. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a9ihlJd8zdDUg3k.html

I always love reading your comments. Thanks for our kind words of encouragement and for your support! My teaching experience is limited to a few guest lectures and my videos, but I hope that they make a difference. Thanks again!

They do....no question! Awesome stuff!!@@HomeInWildSpaces

Defend themselves from a bear? Did you check if the bear has the central nervous system required to decide? Why are you killing the waste humans? Im covered in knife scars.

Excellent comment. I'm a huge proponent of proficiency, but when it comes to firearms proficiency is a much higher bar than most people realize.