Re: [CH] Fwd News Article: Pepper Spray May Attract Bears
John Benz Fentner, Jr. (jbenz@courant.infi.net)
Mon, 16 Feb 1998 13:11:54 -0500
Ben Holm wrote:
> > But if you actually are attacked by a
> > black bear, you should fight back vigorously.
> >
>
> I like that. Vigorously. I have a hard time imagining a laid
> back bear fighter.
Well....actually, there's a big difference between black and brown bears.
Blacks are a lot smaller and a lot more timid so, generally, making noise
and a swat on the nose will send 'em on their way unless you have them
cornered or appear to be threatening their cubs. (Don't try this at home
kids) I once met a black bear nose to nose in a dumpster in Anchorage (I
was depositing, he was withdrawing). We harumphed at each other and went
on about our business. A brown bear, on the other hand, is 4 or 5 times
the size of a black, is unimpressed by anything smaller than an Abrams
tank, generally has no sense of humor and will eat you on general
principles...particularly if you smell like chile peppers. It is best to
avoid antagonizing them.
JB
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John Benz Fentner, Jr.
Unionville, Connecticut, USA
http://www.geocities.com/~jbenz/
"Lex Non Favet Delicatorum Votis"
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