I’m going to Montana in 2 weeks for a little mini-weekend vacation, and someone mentioned to me that I should get some “bear spray” if I’m going to be hiking around. So I Google [bear spray] just to see what it is (not that I really was going to get any).
The #1 site that comes up is //www.udap.com/
So the one testimonial they have on their front page is from some guy named Mark, and this is his picture they use:
Uhm yeah… if that’s what I’m going to look like after using their product, maybe I just won’t use their product and just skip the hiking part altogether I’m thinking. 🙂
Hey Shawn … bear spray is for girls! Get a sawed-off side by side with double odd buck and you should be fine. I’m in Calgary so if so inclined, drive north about 2 hours from the Montana-Alberta and you’ll be in cow town. PM me if you make your way up here and want to catch up for a few brews!
In light of the rising frequency of human/bear conflicts, the Montana Department of Fish and Game as well as National Forest service are advising hikers, hunters, and fishermen to take extra precautions and keep alert for bears while in the field.
We advise that outdoorsmen fasten small bells to their clothing so as not to unexpectedly startle bears in the area. We also advise outdoorsmen to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear.
It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Outdoorsmen should be able to recognize the difference between black and grizzly bear droppings for example. Black bear droppings are smaller and typically contain berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear dung is larger, has little bells in it and smells like pepper spray.
Hey Shawn,
I’ve been following your blog since the MPAA stuff has been going on. You should know that it is freaking hot in Montana right now too. It was over 100 on Sunday. Hopefully it will be cooler soon, but I would definately recommend getting out on a hike. The only time I carry bear spray is when I’m in Grizzly country (like Glacier), but Glacier is so beautiful it’s worth hiking there. Bear attacks really aren’t extremely common esp. if you are smart about it. If you are super worried about it, just stick to the high-use trails, like the Hidden Lake trail at the top of Logan Pass.
Have a great trip. I’m going to go hiking/canoeing in Glacier this week.
Oh great… Glacier is exactly where I’m going to be. I’m going to look like the guy in the picture. 🙂
Shawn,
I live in Whitefish, about 25 minutes from West Glacier. Let me know if need any suggestions/advice. etc. My family owns a local resort – http://www.northfortyresort.com Drop me an email if interested. And if hiking, bear spray is a good idea : ) It is hot as hell right now. 100 last weekend which is crazy hot for around here.
Glacier is awesome! You’ll never forget your trip. As for the bears, try not to stress too much. Make noise by clapping your hands and yelling out a “hey, bear!” periodically. You probably won’t see anything bigger than a squirrel.
http://mmischke.blogs.com/myblog/2004/08/lions_and_tiger.html
Hi Shawn:
I too started monitoring your blog as a result of the MPAA deal – re the “Guy in the picture” and bear spray.
The guy in the pic did not have bear spray on him, and was attacked. After being taken to the ground and chomped, it was his buddy who then stepped in with spray and drove the bear off.
Spray works – and is highly recommended.
Remember; Treadwell didn’t believe in spray and look where that got him!
Marc