BYU study: Guns don't give people advantage during a bear encounter

Deseret News ^ | March 8, 2012

[Zakeet]

Conventional wisdom isn't always based on common sense, and sometimes isn't even based on real data, especially when it comes to animals of mythological proportions like bears.

BYU wildlife biologist Tom Smith wants to change that.

A new study suggests that one of the most commonly suggested deterrents against bears in the wild — guns — actually won't protect people any better than not using a gun.

"It really isn't about the kind of gun you carry,” he said. “It's about how you carry yourself. We need to respect an animal that could potentially take our lives."

[Snip]

This isn't the first time Smith has had a study showing that guns aren't as effective against bears as generally believed. In 2008, Smith released a study saying that bear spray is more effective than guns.

Part of the problem is that shooting accurately is very difficult in a terrifying situation like having a giant animal charging at you. Even if you do kill the bear, that's still a problem, given declining populations and the the loss of what a bear can contribute both economically and ecologically.

"It's a conservation issue in that we'll see needless bear mortalities," Smith said.

[Lady Lucky]

Does this wonder-weapon, pepper spray, work as well on the government? Then we’re saved, lads! Hooray!

Where can I buy the accessories? You know, like the will-to-use-it patch?

[Mich Patriot]

"Just what does a bear contribute economically, unless it's his pelt and meat?"

Ammo sales maybe? :)

[Daffynition]

A sharp *smack* on the nose will do it every time. :)

[Elsie]

I have GOATS that'll go for yer THROAT!!

[Elsie]

Look above

[riverrunner]

A few years ago a fisherman killed a chargeing brown bear with one shot from his 9mm any gun is better then no gun.

[Mich Patriot]

"NOT still a problem. The only population I'd worry about declining is ME. Kill bear, problem solved. The only contribution to the world that I'm responsible for is mine. Kill bear, problem solved."

Well put Lady Lucky. The problem with this guy is that, like most libtards, he cares more about a bear than he does a human. Humans are destroying the planet, dontcha know.

[riverrunner]

At that range most any gun shoved up against his head would drive a bullet into its brain.

[Daffynition]

LOL..if you'd put down that d@mn squeeze box...maybe they'd calm down! ;)

[Kenny Bunk]

Elsie, I am shocked. Shocked I tell you at your sangf-froid about the bear problem. We must not shoot bears because they are terribly endangered. Recently, a starving polar bear was spotted on a shrinking ice floe in the Gulf of Mexico off Tampa Bay.

Yes he attacked me,because he was hungry. I threw him a small illegal immigrant.

[Mr Rogers]

A lot depends on the gun. If it is a 375 H&H Magnum rifle, or a 12 gauge with slugs, it will probably help a lot. If it is a 44 mag or less - and I’m a 44 fan - then it probably won’t do a lot.

Pepper spray? Get real...

[chainsaw]

More publish or perish crap!

[GladesGuru]

Kenny,

That was not Polar Bear, it was just a ‘flamer’ dressed in white, and it was hungry, but what is was hungry for was adequately supplied by that mini-pack wetback you threw to it.

Gotta watch your species identification during weekend 3 AM encounters. I was unaware you did any fishing in the turning basin alongside the Ybor City/Aquarium trolly line. That’s a dangerous place to fish as all sorts of drunk and drugged things fall into the water.

Be careful because there’s no telling what you might find decorating your hook if you keep fishing there. Why do you think that Tampa Light Rail thingie is called a “Troll”y?

;-)

[ctdonath2]

"It really isn't about the kind of gun you carry,” he said. “It's about how you carry yourself.

Indeed. If you're carrying a serious caliber, you will carry yourself with serious caliber - and ain't no predator gonna mess with you.

Old saw:
A: "You're armed. What are you afraid of?"
B: "Absolutely nuthin'!"

[ctdonath2]

Pepper spray = condiment

[USAF80]

Does this wonder-weapon, pepper spray, work as well on the government? Then we’re saved, lads! Hooray! What happens if its raining or the wind is blowing towards you and away from Mr Bear?

[X-spurt]

Someone needs to re-take their PhotoShop lessons.

[Lady Lucky]

What happens if its raining or the wind is blowing towards you and away from Mr Bear?

I dunno. What?

[donozark]

May I suggest FOX LABS spray? Carried by many LEOs. Never had a failure. Also had a wiff or three of it. Most unpleasant!

[USAF80]

Mr Bear get a happy meal I suppose.