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Here’s an interesting, somewhat-related tidbit I learned recently: in Churchill, Manitoba (the polar bear capital of the world), it is customary for locals to l
by caseyohara 2y ago
Here’s an interesting, somewhat-related tidbit I learned recently: in Churchill, Manitoba (the polar bear capital of the world), it is customary for locals to leave their car doors unlocked in case someone needs a quick escape from a polar bear.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churchill,_Manitoba#Polar_bears https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churchill,_Manitoba#Polar_bear...
- jvanderbot 2y agoA photographer acquaintance said that when you go deep into polar bear country always carry a handgun in case a polar bear attacks. For yourself. Unlike other bears, polar bears hunt humans. And like other bears (and dogs) they just eat, they don't kill unless it's an accident.
- rascul 2y agoPepper spray might be more effective than a gun if you're not proficient.
- mint2 2y agoFor a polar bear? I guess in theory it’s possible but I’ve never heard bear spray recommended for polar bears. If you want to go backpacking in Svalbard I’ve heard you need to rent a gun and also set up alarm trip wires around your camp. Polar bears are built different.
- rascul 2y agoSmall sample size for polar bears in this study but it has been found to be effective. https://www.bearwise.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/efficacy-of-bear-spray-smith-et-al.-2010.pdf https://www.bearwise.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/efficacy... With a guns you might need one or more well placed shots, and if you're not trained and proficient, that will be almost impossible if you find yourself in a situation where a bear is charging at you. Pepper spray can be a lot easier to spray in a bear's face in such a situation. Might be best to have both spray and a gun handy, though.
- jvanderbot 2y agoPepper spray is ineffective at ending the suffering of being eaten alive.