Has anyone killed a bear (or any other predator) in self-defense?

Cockroach came at me. Dipatched him with a red wing.

A friend of mine was elk hunting and a mountain lion came out of no where, bounding for him (attacking) less than 10 feet away. He shot from the hip and hit it dead between the eyes, killing it instantly. He called the local game wardens and they didn’t believe his story at all. After searching around, the game wardens found a dead baby elk under a pile of brush. So, the cat was obviously protecting its kill. The game wardens said they had never seen anything like that in the 40 plus years they had been working.

The cat was donated to a local college. They wouldn’t let him keep any part of the animal.

If you listen to the meateater podcast they have a lot of stories about this type of thing. A biologist who studies grizzlies recommended bear spray unless it is very windy. His logic is that in the heat of the moment you don't have to worry as much about aiming. He also carried a pistol but he said that was for if the bear was on top of him. Some of the guys on there carry shotguns.

I had to shoot a feral dog this year while walking to my stand. That had me really shook up...i couldnt imagine a bear.

Fought off an aggressive cougar at Southdowns many, many years ago, but thankfully, I didn't have to kill her.

My daughter "no pics" and I saw a full grown black bear in Ocala Nat. Forest. It was roughly 75 yards away from us. It bolted the other direction after about 15 seconds of checking us out.
I will tell you this, it has an incredible burst of speed. I would put $$$ on it against Trindon Holiday any day of the week.
I came away from that experience thinking if the bear had the drop on me I wouldn't have time to draw my weapon.

quote:

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There are only black bear where I'm going so I know I have nothing to worry about

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Only if you get between a mama and her cub(s)

I see I have some downvotes/doubters. It’s a crazy story but true.

After the photobucket deal, I no longer mess with photo sites. But, if someone posts up their email address, I can email pics of the lion to be posted up.

I’ve shot a bunch of charging hogs. I’ve started carrying my pistol when I stalk up on them. Inside15 yards i sling my rifle and go to handgun while stalking. Feel a lot better reactionary shooting with it.

You absolutely have to report it. You best stay with it if at all possible. I know a guy who got on bad trouble for leaving and not reporting

Check regulations in the area first