A 58 year old man was killed on July 28^th 2010, by a bear while camping in Yellow Stone in a popular area on the edge of the fabled park. Two others were injured in a separate bear attack on the same night near the site of the fatal incident. Officials don’t know if it was a grizzly or black bear that was responsible for the attacks but in all three instances it is believed the bear was not provoked.

Bear populations have nearly tripled across North America over the past decade and bear encounters are being reported much more frequently as a result. Many are not aware that the Northern Black Bear is more numerous and often more deadly than the larger, less common Grizzly Bear. Black Bears are much more likely to kill and consume their human victims than are Grizzly Bears, who will often leave the scene of an attack after they believe their victim to be dead and any threat eliminated.

Outdoor enthusiasts should take heed and carry Bear Spray with them when outdoors in areas where bears have been sighted, even in residential areas. In 2008 in the residential area of Coquitlam outside of Vancouver BC, a Black Bear wandered into the yard of 35-year-old Katy Yin while she was gardening.  A neighbor heard her screams and rushed outside to find a bear mauling Ms. Yin, laying open her scalp an inflicting serious head and face injuries as she was forced to fight for her life. More neighbors were attracted by the commotion and managed to force the bear off of her with rocks and other thrown objects. The bear was later shot by local police as it continued to act aggressively, refusing to leave the scene as neighbors continued throwing rocks in an effort to save Katy Yin.

Tony Hamilton, a large-carnivore specialist with the B.C. Environment Ministry, said bear attacks are normally defensive in nature, but some bears can become predatory.

This was only one of a growing number of bear attacks in populated areas. As urban sprawl moves ever outward bears and humans are bound to intersect, encroaching on one another’s territory. With bear populations increasing, these meetings are becoming more aggressive, with humans most often on the losing end of any conflict. This due in part to the fact that we are ill suited for conflict with bears, they, after all, have more powerful teeth and claws.

Bear Spray is the most recommended defense against bears as it discourages a bear from continuing a charge or an attack and it does not result in the death or wounding of the animal. One note: A wounded bear is a dangerous bear - If a person shoots, but only wounds a bear it will certainly result in a future attack if it comes across humans. The bear will most likely die from infection as a result of any gunshot wound, resulting in a slow and painful death for the animal. Not the best outcome.

Bears and humans will cross paths, that is certain but being prepared for such an encounter can make the difference of whether you walk away from an encounter or not.

It is recommended to carry Bear Spray in a Velcro webbing holster worn either on a belt or on the left hand shoulder strap of a back pack - for right handed people. This is very important; bears may look clumsy but they are capable of moving at blinding speeds in an attack and can even close the distance on a man with a loaded weapon before he can get a shot off. It is recommended that you practice drawing and pulling the safety clip off of the 9oz can of spray, making ready to pull the trigger until you can do it without looking at any part of the can throughout the maneuver. The speed and accuracy are important in the event of a surprise encounter. Last but not least, be aware whenever you are in the woods. Surprise encounters do occur and being aware can save your life.