Black bear are not the meek, timid creatures we make them out to be either. I won't camp in provincial parks simply because of the no firearms rule. We have a couple campers killed by them every year. Spring is also very dangerous. The sows usually have cubs with them, and bears are hungry and in a foul mood after hibernating all winter. I was refused entry into Algonquin Prov. Park because I would not allow the park ranger to seal up my .22Mag. camp rifle. It's simply too dangerous at certain times of the year. The summer day visitors who feel it's cute to feed these animals don't help the situation either. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

I often wonder how more seismic crew workers are not mauled by Grizzlies. Just yesterday I was working on one of our wells when this seismic guy just appears on the lease from out of the bush. We saw 7 different Grizzlies between our plant and this lease (8kms) this summer;including 2 sets of sow/cub. With the amount of seismic activity in AB/BC encounters are bound to happen. At least when we are hunting we have our guns to somewhat level the playing field. I have a feeling we will see more posts about this subject.

IMHO, the G-bear should be transplanted (returned?) to the UBC endowment lands and the campus of UVIC as well as the B.C. legislature grounds. I mean, that is probably their "natural" habitat, no? I bet you'd hear some kiyi-ing then! From what I've been told by a fellow that was with the guys attacked up here, they are fortunate to be with us still. Although I would not and cannot condone it, you have to be out of your mind to not be armed with a sidearm that is strapped to you if you are going out and about. Judged by 12 rather than carried by 6?