In light of the rising frequency of human/bear conflicts, hikers, hunters and fishermen are advised to take extra precautions and keep alert for bears while in the field.

It is suggested that outdoorsmen wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears. They are also advised to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear.

It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Outdoorsmen should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear feces. Black bear feces are smaller and contain lots of berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear feces has little bells in it and smells like pepper! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've got one of those little bells -- always makes me think I am ringing the dinner bell. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Just be able to out run your hunting partner!

todd

That's one thing we really don't have a problem with here in Oklahoma. Although in the Southeast portion of the state where I hunt, we have seen sign. The indications are that they are migrating over from Arkansas.

I was always under the impression that they are generally more scared of you and that as long as you don't startle them..you'll probably be ok.

Same here. No bears. Occasionally you'll read about a mountain lion attacking a jogger but that's about it.

Yep, my parents live South of Ada, Ok. Mom informed me on our last visit that she has seen a cougar(mountain lion) several times out in the pasture. She's afraid to go out there now and dad is packin' heat when he goes out. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Wow - I'm the third Okie to post in a thread on bears. Who'd a thunk it?

Thanks, I needed that laugh... but seriously, I still say, the best bear defence is a 12 guage, no sport plug, and alternating slugs and buck-shot. Better to be fined for shooting a bear than ending up being his lunch <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Troy

Fourth Okie....

BEAR=Big Ever Awful PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Seriously, I ran into a Razorback black bear whilst "deer camping"...he was hungry. Dropped an MRE and walked away.

there was a news report of Grizzly bear attack on female mountain biker who was jogging with a friend in British columbia, Canada. She was stalked over a mile. She climbed a tree but the bear still drag her down. I think that it is best to carry bear repellent spray when one goes into bear country whether you jog or bike. People are building their homes into bear territory now. The bear lose its fear of humans. Once it happened tradgedy always follows.

Do you guys carry some sort of sharp folder to defend yourself in case of black bear or mountain lion attack ?

Smart bear, I'd walk away from a MRE too. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thinks of my VIc trekker, thinks of a charging bear, or mountain lion, thinks at revolver on hip, choses that. This hiker is protected by a "snake"! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Are you kiddin' me??? Going up against a bear with a knife is more than foolhardy, it's suicidal. Now a .44 magnum or a .45 long loaded with "hot" Winchester silver tips... maybe, but a knife... no thanks!!!

Troy

We have a large black bear population in Arkansas. When camping in bear country, it is important to take some precautions in regards to food. These include: never putting food in your tent, keeping a clean campsite, cleaning fish away from your campsite, and hanging food in a tree with a rope. Bears are known to break the windows of cars to get inside for food. I have encountered black bears when hiking, but so far haven't had problems with them. I would be much more careful and cautious in grizzly bear country.

It's really quite simple, when charged by a bear, simply spray yourself with the pepper spray, and hope the bear doesn't like the taste.

I've heard that in Big Bend which is on the Rio Grande River (the TX/Mexican border) the bears are actually attracted to pepper spray... salsa and picante sauce too. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Don't forget to add Hallipeno peppers to your regular menu of pepers spray too? It will add extra kick for the bear should it find you too tasty <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

And drink plenty of wine - be self marinating! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

ho.... stop right there ....

If not, I guess some PETA member could accuse you of spoiling bears, if not overfeeding them ...
<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Frenchy, I don't think that's what they mean by "unspoiled wilderness".

oooooopssssssss......
sorry !

My oops, I forgot the <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> or <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

... so did I ....
<img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />