Two field geologists in Alaska. Both are women. Both encountered dangerous predatory black bears. One had a gun, one did not.
Two Geologists, Two Dangerous Bears, One Gun, Two Outcomes
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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Sig 9mm and Knife Used to Stop Bear Attack in Rural WI Home
While a knife was used to good effect in this defense against a bear, the 9mm Sig pistol was used to end the attack decisively.
76% of Documented Handgun Defenses Against Bears Happened Since 2000
The number of documented incidents where people fire handguns in defense against bears increased dramatically after 1960. The numbers remain insignificant compared to bear populations.
Update of Pistol Defenses Against Bears 123 Cases, 98% Effective
In the 2022 update, 20 more incidents have been documented where pistols or handguns have been fired in defense against bears, with a 98% success rate for 123 total incidents.
Lessons From Handgun Defense Failures Against Bears
Of 123 documented cases where handguns were fired in defense against bears, three failures were documented. Here are the three cases, analysis and commentary.
Update of Pistol or Handgun Defenses Against Bears
An update to include eleven cases where pistols were fired in defense against bears. These cases are not included in the statistics because other items were used against the bear in the incident.
10mm Caliber Pistols & Their Defensive Use Against Bear Attacks: Known Incidents
There have been 8 documented cases of 10mm pistols being used in defense against bear attacks. 10mm pistol caliber for defense against bear attacks.
Book Review and Black Bear Attack Excerpt: Handloggers by W. H. Jackson
Book review of “Handloggers” a biography of W. H. Jackson wife Ruth from the early 1900s to beyond statehood. Included is a excerpt of defense against a black bear attack using a walking stick.
.38 Special Effective Against Wyoming Grizzly Bear
During a grizzly bear attack on archery hunters in September of 2011, one hunter used a .38 Special revolver to stop the attack.
First Recorded Fatal Polar Bear Attack in the United States
For some reason, the man appeared reluctant to shoot. The bear was almost on top of him before he finally did. And then he only wounded the animal….
Wyoming: Bear Attack on Elk Hunters September, 2021
Two elk hunters and a guide engaged a charging grizzly bear with a 10mm GLOCK, a .45 pistol, and bear spray.
Full Can of Bear Spray Used in Fatal Bear Attack
Carl Mock was fatally attacked by a grizzly bear outside of Yellowstone Park, near a populated area. He deployed a full can of bear spray.
Flurry of Bear Attacks Recorded Recently
Six different bear attacks happened in North America from 27 September to 2 October 2021. Five were attacked by grizzly bears, one by a black bear.
Wyoming Hunters Barely Survive Grizzly Attack
A grizzly bear attacked archery moose hunters in Wyoming on September 7, 2010. A FOIA request revealed the story.
Bear vs People Conflicts Spike in Idaho with Aggressive Bears Killed
The number of bear-human conflicts in Idaho has dramatically spiked according to reports from July through September.
WY: Fish Creek Bear Attack 2010: Savage 99 .308 and Taurus Tracker .41
On August 14, 2010, a grizzly bear charged two people in an unprovoked attack near Fish Creek on WY Forest Service Rd 693. The bear was stopped with gunfire a few feet from the people.
2021 31 July, Record for Annual Fatal Bear Attacks already Tied
As of 31 July, 2021, there were five fatal bear attacks in North America for the year. The previous record was set in 2005, which also had five fatal attacks. There are five months left in the year.
Cow Call Grizzly Attack in 2005, Crossbow and .44 Magnum
A grizzly bear attacked an elk hunter and his guide in 2005. They responded with a crossbow and a .44 magnum. The guide was injured in the attack.
Kelly Bear Attack and the Myth: Combination Defense Against Grizzly Bear
This is a combined rifle and pistol stop of a bear attack. When shot, the bear left and then died. Neither hunter was injured by the bear.
MT: Defense Against Grizzly with Bow and .40 Caliber Pistol
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request found a combined defense against grizzly bears with a bow and a .40 caliber pistol, in Montana, during 2014.
Handgun or Pistol Against Bear Attacks 104 cases, 97% Effective
In the latest update on how effective pistols and handguns are when used to defend against bears, 104 documented cases show a success rate of 97%.
Grizzly Bear Attacks Three Bowhunters Armed with Pistols
An old Grizzly bear charged three bow hunters in an unprovoked attack from eight yards. The three bow hunters had pistols, a .45, a .44 magnum, and a 9mm.
Man with Bear Spray Killed by Grizzly Near Yellowstone Park
An experienced Montana outdoorsman had bear spray but was attacked and killed by a grizzly bear near Yellowstone Park on 15 April 2021.
Modern Sporting Rifles as Bear Stoppers? They Worked in Every Recorded Incident
Modern Sporting rifles, such as civilian clones of the AR15 and the AK47 have worked well in stopping aggressive bears.
Survivor of Grizzly Bear Attack in Dupuyer, Montana Used .44 Magnum
Ken Ledeau was attacked by a Grizzly bear near Dupuyer, Montana. Ken used a model 629 Smith & Wesson .44 magnum to stop the attack.
Tanner Allen, Bear Defense in NW Wyoming, .41 Magnum Single Action
In August of 2009, Tanner Allen had to use his .41 magnum single action to shoot a charging grizzly bear in self defense, in the Shoshone National Forest.
Study on Bear Spray Confirms Performance Limitations
A paper published in the Journal of Wildlife Management shows and quantifies several of the limitations of bear spray in cold or windy conditions.
Bear Attacks & 20 Instances of .22 Rimfire Used for Survival
The .22 rimfire caliber is often underestimated. I has the power to consistently kill large animals. Here are 20 incidents where .22 rimfire firearms were used against bears.
AR15 style Rifle in 6.8 SPC used in Self Defense Against Black Bear
An AR15 rifle was used in self defense against a black bear in Galena, Nevada, south of Reno, on 19 June, 2020. After an investigation, no charges have been made against the homeowner.
Grizzly Bears, FOIA, Bird Hunting, Shotguns, and Close Range Defense
AmmoLand News has obtained a treasure trove of factual accounts of bears and self-defense through an FOIA request. Some incidents of self-defense against bears while bird hunting is described.
