I walk my dog every morning before I have my coffee, and have been walking the same morning path for most of the 11 years I have had my dog. We live in a rural area, so it's always interesting to see the animal tracks from the night before ... usually deer, raccoon, cat, coyote, sometimes turkey and rabbit. This morning I wasn't quite prepared for what I found ... BEAR TRACKS! I could see clearly where it crossed the road and went down into the ditch on the other side. These tracks were very FRESH and so I took this picture and high tailed it outta there! I live in the country, and I knew there were bears around, but I have never SEEN them, especially this close to my house. I think I will be stopping at the hunting shop on the way to pick up my son tonight, and getting myself a can of bear spray. I have no intention of changing my walk route!
Netty, find out how close you have to be to the bear for the spray to work. How about just throwing the can at him and running like crazy? We see tracks in the mud around the pond, but no bears so far!
I would prefer a .44 magnum, nothing smaller than a .40 cal That spray may just p*** him off and running would be futile.
Let's just hope that the bear who left those tracks was just passing through Netty. I don't think I'd like to come face to face with anything that potentially dangerous.
Please be very careful and very alert! A bear is nothing to mess with. I second the idea of seeing how far the bear spray will spray and also how effective. We always carry a gun with us if we are outside of town, but, there have been bear attacks in our area. In fact, there was a bear in the downtown area of our little town 2 years ago. He was captured and released back in the mountains.
Miss Netty, that bear is likely to den up really soon. If it is a sow, she will be preggers most likely. A grumpy/hungry sow with cubs this coming spring could spell trouble. Maybe you could notify the provincial wildlife authorities? They could at least be on the lookout. BTW, I know you're in Canada, but, a firearm capable of dispatching a bear would be a good thing to have on your morning dog walks. For yours and your dogs safety.
I've been talking to a few of my hunting friends, and they suggested an air horn (can of compressed air with a horn). They say they have used them at hunt camp successfully. That along with making noise while walking will scare them away. This morning, it was very foggy and so I walked the dog my regular route while carrying a small cow bell and an air horn. I've been walking this route for a long time and I have no intention of stopping! Gun laws are very strict here, and a permit is required to buy guns and ammunition. I don't think I have it in me to kill another living creature anyway. I stopped at the outdoor shop and looked into bear spray. It sells for $50 a can.
If your life depended on it, you would be surprised how quickly you can pull that trigger. A bear will soon be replaced in the circle of life with another one just like it.....but you will not.
That bear track reminded me of this story. "My personal favorite defense gun has always been a Beretta Jetfire in 22 short. Over all the years I've been hiking I never leave without it in my pocket. Of course, we all know the first rule when hiking in the wilderness is to use the "Buddy System." For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this it means you NEVER hike alone. You bring a friend or companion, even an in-law. That way, if something happens, there is someone to go get help. I remember one time hiking with my brother-in-law in northern Alberta. Out of nowhere came this huge brown bear and man, was she mad. We must have been near one of her cubs. Anyway, if I had not had my little Jetfire I'd sure not be here today. Just one shot to my brother-in-law's knee cap and I was able to escape by just walking at a brisk pace." (They don't call me Evil for nothing)
Oh, dear me. Bears in the neighbourhood sounds very scary. I don't know what I'd do if I met one of those. Please be careful and bring whatever remedies you find to scare that bear. Evil Roy, you are a horrible man!
Netty what kind of dog do you have? I hope it won't try to charge the bear if you ever do come across it!
I have a German Shepherd / Lab mix. I honestly don't know what she would do if we came face to face with a bear!
Her protective instincts would jump to the foreground and she would go for it, especially if she felt it was threatening you and you would not be able to hold her back.
How exciting Netty. You had better be on your guide whilst out there. It is known that dogs and bears do not get along. Be careful, I don't want you getting scratched-up.
