The Florida House has passed a bill to allow humans to defend themselves, their pets, and their homes from bears.
Florida Moves to Legalize Self-Defense Against Bear Attacks
Bear Attacks
Bear Attacks: The Reality of Deterrents
AmmoLand News & Journalist Dean Weingarten have documented hundreds of bear attacks on humans, prompting a close look at deterrents. Contrary to popular media portrayal, bear spray isn’t reliable. Factors like wind direction and bear aggression can reduce its effectiveness, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes.
Conversely, firearms have shown a statistically higher success rate in deterring aggressive bears. This isn’t an endorsement for indiscriminate shooting of wildlife but an observation from real-life encounters.
While bear spray has limited benefits, it’s vital to understand its limitations. In Bear country, being informed, armed, and ready to use deadly force, if needed, will save your life.
Today is Thursday, December 19, 2024 
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Connecticut Law Allows Defense Against Bears, Florida Considers Similar Bill
As black bear populations expand, bear conflicts with humans increase. Connecticut passed a law to make clear the right to shoot a bear which is endangering people or pets. The Florida legislature is considering a broader version of a similar law.
Simple Arms Could have Stopped Horrific Bear Attack
A large black bear attacked a group of three women and a teenage boy. Two of the women suffered extensive injuries as the bear ate them alive. Possession of a weapon could have stopped the attack.
Are Extreme Speed and Accuracy Necessary to Defend Against Bears?
Some people have claimed extreme accuracy and speed are needed to be able to defend against a bear attack. The data indicates extreme accuracy and speed is not needed in over 90% of cases.
Bear Spray is Not as Effective as Claims, Firearms Still the Superior Tool for Defense
Bears have killed nine times as many people when bear spray is sprayed than when handguns are fired in defense against bear attacks.
Another Revolver Saves the Day in Polar Bear Attack
On March 24, 2013, a man and a woman used a revolver to defend against a polar bear which was breaking into their cabin in the Svalbard Archipelago.
Firearms Defense Against Bear Attacks in National Parks is Legal
It is legal to fire a firearm in defense against grizzly bears in national parks. Some writers have claimed it is not.
Wyoming Grizzly Bear Attack Stopped with 44 Magnum Revolver
Details of the defensive shooting of a grizzly bear at Paint Creek Wyoming in 2010 have been revealed by a Freedom of Information Act request.
Boone & Crockett Club Approves New Position on Wolf & Grizzly Bear Management
The Boone and Crockett Club support the delisting of recovered wolf and grizzly bear populations and resuming state management of the two species.
Grizzly Bears in Lower 48 are the Deadliest Bear Population
Four percent of the United States grizzly bear population accounted for 56% of human fatalities from grizzly/brown bear attacks during 1975 to 2023. Those 4% were the bears that live in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.
Washington State Bear Attack Stopped with .45 Long Colt Revolver
Travis Newman shot a big Cinnamon color phase black bear in self defense, in Washington State, in 2005. He used a Taurus Tracker in .45 Long Colt.
Man Survives Bear Attack Using a Folding Knife
Mike was attacked, without provocation, by a cinnamon black bear in 2020. He fought it with a folding knife and survived. This is his story.
Handgun Defenses Against Bear Attacks – 170 Documented Incidents, 98% Effective
There are now 170 documented cases, with 146 of those cases where handguns only are fired in defense against bear attacks. Handguns are effective 98% of the time.
Japan has More Fatal Bear Attacks than the United States
More people are killed in bear attacks in Japan than in the United States. Records exist from 2007 to the present.
Man Uses Knife to Save Friends from Bear Attack in Japan
A bear attack on the island of Hokkaido, Japan was stopped by a hiker using a hunting knife to save himself and his friends.
Blades and Blunt Objects in Bear Attacks
Firearms are not the only tool available to defend against bear attacks. Blades and blunt objects have been effective in several cases.
Research Shows Handguns Best Defense in Bear Attacks
Handguns appear to be more effective at defending against bear attacks than long guns. Handguns are more often carried on the person and more likely to be used at close range.
Myth that Bear Spray Will Save You Proves Deadly Once Again
A fully-discharged bottle of bear spray was discovered at the scene. The bear was apparently unimpressed! Now two are dead.
Two Fatalities in Attack with Bear Spray Used
In Banff National Park in Canada, two people and their dog have been killed by a grizzly bear. At least one can of bear spray appears to have been emptied during the attack.
Recorded Defensive Uses of Pistols Against Bears Has Grown Exponentially
The recorded and published number of cases where pistols are used in defense against bears has grown in leaps and bounds over the last 130 years.
Black Bear Attack Stopped with .38 Caliber Handgun
A black bear was attacking a goat when the owner came to it aid. The bear was aggressive toward the owner, who shot it after warning shots were not effective.
Two Spears Against Polar Bears: Survival on Svalbard, 1743-1749
Four shipwrecked Russian sailors survived for over six years on an island in the Svalbard archipelago. They used two homemade spears to kill ten polar bears.
How Was the “98% Success Number” for Bear Spray Computed?
It is irresponsible to claim “science” in comparing studies, which use different definitions and math, & to then say bear spray is more effective than firearms.
Alaskan State Parks Grizzly Bear Target, A Training Aid for Bear Defense
Don’t go into the wood unprepared. Training & practice with this excellent Grizzly Bear Target will save your life.
Bear Attacks in Japan: 4 Fatalities in 2021 in Hokkaido Prefecture/Island
Japanese laws restricting possession & use of handguns make it nearly impossible for Japanese to possess, let alone carry, handguns for bear defense legally.
Fourth Defensive Handgun Failure Against Bears Discovered
A fourth failure of the firing of a handgun to stop a bear attack has been discovered. No person or bear was injured. The incident will be included in the statistics for the next update.
Montana Bear Researcher’s .357 Magnum & 2 Bear Attacks with Shots Fired
In an interview with bear researcher Allen Schallenberger, Allen recounts two encounters with grizzly bears where he fired his .357 magnum.
Bear Spray is Human Seasoning; Take a Gun if You Want to Survive a Bear Attack
Seven times as many people have been killed by bears when bear spray has been used in defense than have been killed by bears when a handgun has been fired in defense.
Polar Bear Defense in Canada, August 17, 1993 FOIA Incident 47
In 1993, on Coburg Island in far north Canada, well above the Arctic circle, Stephen Smith shot and killed a polar bear which was attempting to enter his small tent. He used a handgun to defend himself.
Fatal Bear Attack in Arizona Stopped with a Rifle
A black bear killed a 66-year-old man in an unprovoked attack a few miles south of Prescott, Arizona. A neighbor shot and killed the bear with a rifle as it was eating.
