Bear Defense Has New Meaning Now That Grizzlies Are Back on List

For those of us who enjoy the various activities our nation's woodlands have to offer, bear defense is something we need to think about. We face the possibility of being attacked by a bear, after all this is their home and they want to protect it. But the meaning of bear defense now has to include protecting the bears from us. Even though you wouldn't think that a creature that stands 8 feet tall and weighs 1500 pounds needs protection from us, it seems to be the case. On Sept. 21, 2009, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service put Grizzly Bears back on the endangered species list.

Last year, in Yellowstone Park alone, 37 out of 54 Grizzly Bears that died were killed by people who claimed that they were defending themselves from an attack. Considering that there are less than 600 Grizzlies left in the park, that's well over 6% and could be as high as 7% of the population. The Sierra Club, the nation's largest environmentalist organization, is pushing for requirements that anyone going into a national forest in Grizzly country must carry bear defense spray. This is pepper spray that is formulated to repel a bear. Spokeswoman Heidi Godwin said in a news release, "The proper use of bear pepper spray will reduce human injuries caused by bears, reduce the number of grizzly bears killed in self defense, and help promote the recovery and survival of the grizzly bear."

Bear pepper spray, also called bear defense spray or sometimes just bear spray, makes a fog in the air, so you don't even have to have good aim with it. When the spray hits the bear, or the bear hits the spray, it causes irritation in the eyes, nose, mouth, throat and lungs. Those who have used a bear defense spray against an attack report that when the bear comes in contact with the spray, it turns and runs away, fast. According to experts, there is no better way to stop an attack by an aggressive bear. According to environmentalists, like The Sierra Club, there is no better way to stop an attack by an aggressive bear. I think even the bears would repeat this statement as well if they knew it meant that they get to stay around to hunt and fish a little longer and yes, if they could talk.

So if you're one of us who loves the great outdoors, especially the woods, make sure that you don't forget your bear defense spray when you go on an outing. Make sure also that it is a spray that is registered with the EPA for use against bears. This is a special formula for bear defense and using ordinary pepper spray is not recommended. Remember, bear defense no longer simply means protecting us from the bears. This long standing icon of America, the Grizzly Bear needs our protection.

Phillip R. Davis is the owner of Lifeline Products in Brooklyn NY, a retailer and wholesaler of personal protection, self defense and surveillance products and is an advocate for environmental awareness as well as personal safety. If you need bear defense spray or would like to know more about it, please visit http://www.lifelinedefense.com/bearspray.htm or go to http://www.lifelinedefense.com/ to learn more about personal protection and self defense products.

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