This news account is from the college where my son is now. His apartment is just up the hill from the Convocation Center.

University Bear encounter

Rick.

Black Bear populations have been on the increase.The young ,two year olds are especially a problem since they are on their own for the first time . They are about 150-200 lbs.The weight is often over estimated. The best thing you can do is make as much noise as possible.

Mete -- "The best thing you can do is make a lot of noise."

Well, I suppose, if you're referring to the episode listed above, being in a school, or something such as that.

As for me, OUTSIDE, my firearm would come into play, long before making noise. I've killed two Black bears, (400 lbs. & 250 lbs.) and seen their teeth and claws up close. Noise ain't hardly good enough for me.

Each to his own, however.

L.W.

well, i don't know about your guns leanwolf, but mine "makes a lotta noise", so I would think you would have all your bases covered. - Dan

A month ago a young bear knocked on my door(literally), I could have shot him but fired only to make noise and yelled a lot.He hasn't come back. I have met other bears face to face but they have ignored me.There was a fellow in NY state that shot a bear that was chasing him and his kid. He received a ticket for shooting a bear out of season and one for firing a gun within 500' of a dwelling. Another in NJ shot a bear in "self defense" examination showed the bear was shot in the back - he has a problem. I don't panic when I see a bear, I judge each situation on its own merits.

Mete, I suppose things are somewhat different in New York, as opposed to out here in Idaho. Out here, if a Black bear is chasing you, or breaks into your home, you have the right to plug it. Of course, I'm not surprised that in New York, a man defending himself and family was fined. (I'm surprised he didn't end up in Attica.)

Having killed two Black bears, I really don't care to kill anymore... so long as they leave me and my home/camp alone. (I always carry a bear tag, just in case.)

Of course, we Idahoans also believe very strongly in the Right of self defense, whether from a vicious criminal, or an attacking animal. Hillary's and Chucki's ideology doesn't fare too well out my way.

L.W.

[ 11-08-2003, 06:54: Message edited by: Leanwolf ]