Bear attack

Bear attack

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Marvin Jennings and his uncle were hunting black bears Northeast of Boise, Idaho recently. Apparently, Jennings’ uncle shot a black bear while it was feeding on bait that they had set out. The shot only wounded the bear. Thinking that the bear was dead, Jennings went to check on it but when he got close, the bear aroused very aggressively and attacked. The two kept rolling down a hill and the bear was fighting his arm and leg. Jennings was able to get to a pistol and shoot the bear in the head. His uncle also shot when he could safely hit the bear and not his nephew. Could there have been another way? Talking with Sabre Technologies CEO David Nance, maybe yes.

What does the bear spray due to the bear? There are physiological and psychological effects. The physiological effects of the restriction of deep lung breathing. There is respiratory irritation that they feel from a hot pepper. It will cause mucous discharge. You will also see significant burning of their eyes which will cause their eyes to close. Then the psychological effects kick in, fear, anxiety, panic. You'll see them rub their head into the ground and because they are scared, they escape and leave you alone. Is the damage permanent to the bear? No. Their natural tears will flush that pepper out of their eyes. It is all natural ingredients approved by the EPA. US Fish and wildlife service found that firearms are effective 50% of the time whereas Outside Magazine found pepper spray to be effective 98% of the time from 1985 until 2006 looking at attacks on 156 people. Very safe, very effective and does not hurt the environment or the bear and will keep you safe.

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