This would probably really tick off the Sierra Clubbers, but I know an older native Alaskan with lots of bear experience that says #9 is what he uses. He would never shoot a bear unless it couldn't be avoided but he asserts that a blast of birdshot in the face of the bear ends things fast. Yes, this technique does require some follow up on the part of the shooter...finishing off the bear.

At any rate, don't use your birdshot on the messenger! I'm just relaying the words of an old timer that's dealt with bears for 45 years or so.

BTW, every bear attack story I see in the news calls them "anomolies",no matter how many there are. The old Alaskan bear guy says not as anomolous as you think, FWIW.