re: Wyoming hunting guide fatally mauled by grizzly bears

quote:

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It absolutely is true, you notice that I didn’t say hunters right? I have my CCW and don’t carry while in the backcountry once I realized that everyone but the hunters were carrying bear spray and leaving the sidearms at home. Granted that I’m basing this off of personal experiences that I’ve had while backpacking in bear country. So I understand that may be different for others but there’s no denying that bear spray is more effective than firearms in deterring and defending yourself from a bear.

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People are generally poor at risk assessment, bear attacks are very rare, that is why when there is one it is all over the news and internet just as with plane crashes. There are much more dangerous outdoor activities than hiking in bear country without a firearm, hundreds are killed and injured every year in the woods on ATVs, but suggest to a hunter while they are in the middle of discussing the best ammunition for defense against bears that wearing a helmet while on their ATV will greatly mitigate the chance of serious injury and you will just get laughed at.


# OF DEATHS IN THE UNITED STATES PER YEAR

Cause of death ………………… # dead
Cardiovascular disease …….. 856,030
Transportation accidents …. 48,441
Drowning ……………………….. 3,582
Hypothermia ……………………699
West Nile virus ……………….. 119
Hornet/bee/wasp stings ….. 48.5
Snake bites …………………….. 5.2
Bear attacks …………….. 2