Same here. My wife and I plan on moving to a country that has wild bears (and wolves), so I am concerned about biking up in the mountain roads. Your videos are very helpful!
Possibly the bear bells remind the bears of the ice cream trucks and come running toward the sound and being disappointed might react in an unfriendly manner. Who can blame them?
Living in Europe far from any grizzlies and black bears, not planning to visit the US or Canada anytime soon but still find it extremely good to know some how. Those flairs, several bear sprays and horns I'd definitely carry with me. I'd assume fire would work as well.
love your videos I am always wanting to learn how to prevent dangerous bear attacks after my encounter in the middle of night at my camp in the Green Swamp in Florida!
I'm going to be Camping on Vancouver Island, Squamish and Whistler later on this year and am understandably concerned about bears, I was thinking in particular about being attacked during the night whilst asleep in my tent, would a cattle prod be at all effective? I believe that the output voltage can be increased on some models but have seen nothing about anyone using them to fend off bears. Whatever the answer, I AM going, this is the trip of a lifetime for me, British Columbia is where I should have been born-it's not somewhere I intend to die before I absolutely have to though! Great videos, I won't die from ignorance after watching all of these! Thank you (and a Happy New Year from the UK)!
First off, you are going to see some great places and I think you have the right attitude, be prepared but not afraid. The risks of being attacked by a bear are only little better than winning the lottery and the chances are very high that you won't see a bear in your campground at all. (hopefully you do see one while driving around). Unfortunately bear attacks do happen and sometimes when people are sleeping in their tent. If you are in a busy campground then an attack is much less likely since there are many other people around. I would drop the cattle prod idea. It could work but if you are asleep then it is no more useful than anything else. I do recommend bringing bear spray and having it close at hand. When I sleep in a tent in the backcountry I keep one can in the vestibule just outside the tent. Have a great trip!
the "personal alarms" used to prevent rape, with the pull cord, are 140 DB...BUT they produce a continual noise, unlike a bear banger or gunshot [.22 is also 140 DB...which sees to be the threshold point for decibels.]. cost 3-5$. it is worth noting that numerous bears have been found with imbeded bullets...so, even the DB of a gunshot does NOT NECESSARILY work on some bears. again, however, the personal alarms produce CONTINUAL noise at 140DB.
@@KevinOutdoors lying under an open tarp at night isnt very good, considering bears, coyotes, wolves...who could just walk upon you at night. that has happened. this is the purpose of the alarm. consider: wild animals do not flee at the sound of a gunshot because they think, "he may shoot me". they dont know what a gun is. they flee BECAUSE of the decibels of the sound, which HURTS their ears. a 22 fired is the exact same decibels are the alarm i mentioned. so it "attacks" and "defends" all at once.
Aha! New info! It paid to keep up. You scared the CRAP outta me dude! I just came from vid#2 from last year. I click on this and BAM! there's this dude with a full on heard and shades. Like wtf is this? Lol. Bears and other wild animals are starting to move into (back) our burbs here in Northern IL. Like in backyards. We love animals so we want to be prepared to keep us AND the critters safe. Thankyou! Be safe out there dude. There's something else vicious waiting to take us down....😷🐾🐻🙏
I notice air horns require to connect them to the cannister. How long do they last, because it seems like it must leak pressure, since that's the way they're sold.
Do you know a few phrases in bear? "Get the %&* out of here!!!" should do it. Thanks for some good info Kevin. I think I'll get some spray or an air horn or both.
Thanks for a n interesting and informative video. I've got one more question about whistles though. Are bears sensetive to dog ultrasound whistles or something of that sort?
Good question, there is good evidence that bears (like dogs) can hear higher frequencies than humans. Some research has been done to see if these frequencies can repel bears and those studies showed some success. But in the studies the frequency, volume and direction were all important factors so there is no simple system that you could carry with you that would be effective.
Instead of carrying all that equipment, may I recommend a simple 44 mag. Makes lots of noise as well as putting holes in any bear rude enough not to allow you time to load and fire whatever you call that little firecracker thingamajig.
Thanks kegawine, I recommend people always carry bear spray in bear country but that other stuff isn't necessary at all. I do bring bear bangers on canoe trips and the signal flares do are great to have in an emergency situation. A sidearm isn't an option where I live.
@@KevinOutdoors when I guide in Polar Bear Country, we carry shotguns. Like you said be careful with bear-bangers, they are shown to be ineffective, since people aim incorrectly and often hit further than they are aiming. Which would often be behind the bear and cause the bear to charge towards you. We stopped carrying them ten years ago. They are also extremely difficult to set up instantly. Bear Spray and letting the bear know you are there is the best option. Stay safe!
Everything I have read about this is that you have to hit a certain decibel level. I don't think most megaphones would create that, but I am not 100% sure.
You have very good video on bear behaviour . Bear bang seem more then dumb! When bear are coming in it fast. Bear spray is the best with a air horn if someone else is with you. I solo hunt in grizzly country in BC. Bear spray in my hand at all times. No seen lots of black bears no grizzly thank God.
Thanks Phil, I think I was clear in the video that if someone encounters a bear they should reach for their bear spray first. A noise deterrent is only if one is lingering around and you have the time necessary.
Yes you where clean. I game wardens use bangs with rubber bullets to put fear in a social bear. Just add my two cents. I have enjoyed all the videos on the bears.
They are. They are not what you want to reach for first. If a bear seems interested in you at a distance or is becoming a pest but not a clear threat then you likely have time to try bear bangers. I hope that approach was clear in the video. Noise deterrents are not 100% effective and have their challenges to deploy.
Kevin, we're going to Glacier in late June, any other words of wisdom for our hiking plans we should consider regarding bears? I think we'll stay on more known popular trails in the park (more people around), but not sure that will make bears less of a concern. Will have 2 large counter assaults on hips and an air horn (What brand you recommend? Seen some notes that some don't lock out well and go off unexpectedly), and will park the bells if they are attractants. We've had a grizzly issue up here in northern Idaho above Bonner's Ferry, so bears have gotten our attention as we prepare for Glacier? Watched all your bear series, thanks. 👍
Thanks Jeff, Sounds like you are prepared. Most important is to carry your spray and carry it where you can reach it. Counter Assault is probably the best brand out there. they invented the stuff and have probably got the strongest/furthest spray. Their safety guards are fairly robust in my experience. Regarding air horns I am not aware of any brands that are better than others. Travel in groups and make noise helps for sure. Have a great hike!
@@KevinOutdoors thanks. Got the counter assault that goes 40ft. And the current design holster from mystery ranch that allows you to pull off the safety cover with one pull while on your hip and shoot without having to pull it out of the holster and lose those seconds. Also got the kozee-tote to store it in during travel or storage. 👍
Curious - I’m always worried that my air horn could go off as there is no “safety” so I carry it in two pieces - which to me is kinda useless - how sensitive are they
Well the air horn isn't a first line of defence. If you see a bear that is simply curious or looking to steal some garbage or something, then that is the situation to reach for an air horn, you will have a bit of time.
Reason being I've heard of a story of some group of people walking through the savanna in Africa by banging pots and pans and this attracted lions and they all died, so i was curious if bears and large cats have the opposite behaviour towards the same stimulus
I read an article where a woman and her dog had a cougar encounter. She whipped out her phone and played a Metallica song on full volume. The cat took off.
In my country there's a hunting joke: " -...and if all this fails and the bear will be beside you , throw shit in his eyes ... - Where from? - Don't worry, it will be enough..."
Hi Pan, I get lots of questions like this. My advice it to keep things simple if you encounter a bear. You only have two hands so use what you can and try and remain calm. That really is the best advice.
I lived in the mountains for several years and saw plenty of bears but had no encounters but I have with a mountain lion and that's why I always carry. I didn't even know I was being stalked until I turned around to take a picture of the sunset and I spotted the cat looking at me in the tree line and fear just immediately took over and I began shaking, I was terrified because my truck was in the parking lot at the beginning of the trail and that was like 70 yards, so I grabbed a long branch that was on the ground. I was very lucky because it stayed a distance away but kept coming at me slowly and I did manage to make it back, but after that experience I never went in the woods with out a firearm that shot a minimum of 250 grain and also bear spray. On a side note I was surprised by a derecho some years back when I was out hiking, that was very scary, I had no clue anything was coming because there was no cell reception on the mountain, I got pretty messed up and my truck was totaled, thank god park rangers were in the area and found me, they couldn't get an ambulance to the are a due to all the trees down so they called in a helicopter, no broken bones but I did have 135 stitches and a scar for the rest of my life to remind me of that day.
It's okay if the bear ignores the bear bell. Of course the bell is not going to scare the bear off. The purpose is to alert the bear to your presence, so you don't scare the bear. Use it so you and the bear don't accidentally bump into each other.
Thanks Max. What I am saying is that studies have shown that bears can't distinguish it from ambient bird sounds. And when they can there is some evidence that the bells may attract a curious bear. So, they don't work.
@@KevinOutdoors Well you have to do something make your presence known. Unless you are going to be talking or singing nonstop, then you need something. Recently there was that hiker in California's Trinity Alps who walked right into a bear. He literally came face to face with it, and the bear clawed his face. That's what you don't want to have happen. Once the bear knows you are there, they generally move along.
The 4" barrel version is almost 3.5 lbs. Not all that practical for a backpacker, not just to carry that extra weight but then to hold it steady and aim when the bear is coming at you. That's a challenge.
@@UguysRnuts I stirred it up with a stick to investigate. The smell almost made me fall over backward. Besides you usually find the bells in Grizzlies not black bears.
Personally, I'm more concerned about cougars. They will stalk their prey and are far more difficult to spot in advance of their attack. Several recorded incidents in the Yukon did not have good outcomes. As a hunting guide in the Yukon I saw Grizzlies running the opposite direction every single time. If they spot you at a distance they will move away (at least that is my experience). At close range, and according to a fishing camp outfitter I once knew, they will rush towards you and then stop at roughly 10 yards. He claimed that in 10 years running a fishing camp on the Stikine River (seeing Grizzlies on a daily basis) that he had only shot one Grizzly at close range that did not appear to be stopping. Grizzlies do have a very slopped forehead and thick skull, so aiming for the head is not the best option. A chest shot is much more likely to bring them down if you truly need to shoot them. Personally, I would rather not have to shoot a bear, keeping in mind that the wilderness is their home, not mine. Great information though. I always laugh at hikers wearing the dinner bell to save them. However, I'm more disturbed by people who put their bear spray in their backpack. They have no idea how fast a bear can be!
Thanks for your videos. I've been in Glacier and had an up-close experience with a grizzly. Luckily, he never charged and I had my bear spray ready, but it was scarier than hell. We talked to a forest ranger who told us that they call bear bells, "dinner bells." They believe that cubs are curious and tend to go towards the noise and Mama follows.
Kim, we're going to Glacier in late June, any other words of wisdom for our hiking plans we should consider regarding bears? I think we'll stay on more known popular trails in the park (more people around), but not sure that will make bears less of a concern. Will have 2 large counter assaults on hips and an air horn, and will park the bells if they are attractants. We've had a grizzly issue up here in northern Idaho above Bonner's Ferry, so bears have gotten our attention as we prepare for Glacier. Thanks.
Grampa Joe always told us kids “NO BEAR BELLS! Makes you sound like Santa’s reindeers and them bears LOVE reindeers the most!” Oh how I miss Grampa Joe! Very similar to John Muir, he also loved to hike the Sierra Mountains with just his walking stick and a knife. ❤️ Thank you for this video series, very well done. ☮️💟✝️
And put a portable electric bear fence around your campsite. There’s one out there weighing only 2.4 lbs and it’s really capable. Passive deterrence for a good night’s sleep.
Thanks for the videos, would you consider making one on encounters with wolves and/or cougars? I know that in general wolves won't attack if you stand your ground and look large, and not to turn your back on cougars and cats in general, but I feel like you'd be more knowledgeable on the subject.
This is the third video I have watched from you and they are very informative but on this third one you actually appear to be taking on the appearance of a real bear. Interesting.
Great tips. I agree about bells and whistles, they do very little. I had a black bear stumble into my bush camp in the Yukon and I discharged an air horn and it didnt even flinch. My recommendation is to always have bear spray with you.
Thanks for that. Air horns can work, but as you outline perfectly, if a nuisance bear get used to humans and human caused noises it won't be bothered at all.
I live next to the GSMNP and fish in it often. You’re lucky to get a glimpse of a wild bear outside the park but there are some human and food conditioned bears in the park that will strut into your camp like straight up thugs. If you manage to scare a bear like that off, you best get locked, cocked, and ready to rock because chances are he didn’t go far. He’s just circling looking for a better direction to come at you.
@@wasidanatsali6374 100% I packed my camp as fast as I could, jumped on my motorbike and took off, spent that night in a campground with food lockers and stopped bush camping that far up north.
I’ve been wanting to do some hiking here in Colorado, but I am extremely terrified of the wildlife. But this video definitely makes me feel a little more confident in venturing out. Thanks!
Just wanted to say I really appreciate your bear series! I live in Alaska, in the city but I've been spending a lot of time in the woods due to covid19 lol and there has even recently been a black bear spotted near my house on one of my normal city trails where I walk my dog daily 😳 I knew basic bear safety, and how to tell the difference between bears but i really all the detail your videos have and I am going to buy some bear spray now. Thank you!
We've had a big ole Grizzly roaming around here at the Banff Springs Golf Course the past few days. Still see tourists get out and walk towards it. Play stupid games win stupid prizes I guess. Perhaps they aren't aware of the Bears ability to close distance in a hurry.
The .357 magnum I carry is pretty loud. I figure the first one goes into the dirt if it is acting aggressive but not charging. I’ve only encountered a bear at close range once. Woke up in the middle of the night and when I shined my light out of the tent it was 6 feet away. Took off as soon as my light came on, and I cleaned out my shorts.
I've watched as a sow nursed her three cubs while fireworks burst all around her. She laid back in the grass and awed at the sparkling display without so much as a hint of concern for the light, the smoke and the noise. I've seen bears charge into a hail of heavy rifle fire and die on the run. I've heard of more than one bear take a hail of rifle fire and keep on going in spite of hits through the heart. Only death itself stops a determined bear. Other than infinite lethality, secondary options are just tools in the box that one might consider, depending on the circumstance.
Yeah, I hope I made that clear that these are things that might work especially if the bear is just curious and that bears can quickly get desensitized to noise.
Thank you for the tips! A friend of mine whose husband is an experienced hunter told me that if you wear a strong fragrance the bears will not approach you because they hate the smell. What do you think?
Bears have a great nose and are curious and have been documented to go after things that have previously been sprayed with bear spray. There is also some evidence that they avoid the cleaner 'Pine Sol'. So this might be true but it probably would depend on what the fragrance was. I wouldn't trust it to save my life.
The bear bell study I saw showed - like you said - that they didn't react to the bell. Interestingly, they then tested snapping a wooden pencil, and this had a 100% success rate of startling the bears. (not not it would be a good deterrent of course, just thought it was interesting)
@@KevinOutdoors sorry late seeing this comment. RUclips blocks comments with non-youtube URLs so I can't link it, but if you search "bear bell efffectiveness pencil" it's the top hit, titled "No, Bear Bells Don't Work". I think it wasn't a formal study, but a series of tests by a guy named Tom Smith.
@@TrueFork maybe! I think the pencil snapping was so effective because it simulates a twig/branch snapping under the weight of an animal heavy enough to snap it. Not sure if clappers or rattles would simulate the effect enough or not.
Bears can be attracted by sounds of gunshots to game animals that hunters have killed. Wouldn't personally use the banger, sounds too much like a gunshot.
Correct, in some parts of the world bears have learned that a 'gunshot' is where they will find a kill. But if you encounter a bear a loud noise may still be useful. But as I say in the video, a loud noise isn't your primary defence it works sometimes. Pull out the bear spay first.
I think that due to the fact your facial beard is as much equivallant as as grizzly bears hair, you are safe from them, however the HABS hat, you not gonna make it, you gotta get LEAFS BOUND.learn dude.
Hi Kevin, wow you're starting to look like a bear yourself! Maybe this is a dumb question, how come you never mention carrying a weapon (like 44 Magnum) for self defense against bears? Thank you.
I love your videos, you have answered all my questions in this last hour. Been living in Colorado and now I feel more confident when I plan my FIRST camping trip...finally.
Kevin question? I follow all your guidelines to prevent bear encounters. I have a question. I love to hike and camp, but my main worry is night sleeping. I sleep better if I use fairy lights around the outside base of my tent, however, would this also attract a bear since they are curious? Thank you for all your helpful videos!
Good question. It is a real fear, it is rare but bears have pulled people from tents. 15% of the deaths caused by bears in the last 30 years occurred when people were sleeping in a tent. Now this part is speculation/experience, bears are curious but they rarely get curious about lights. Bears are much more active at night and I believe it is because of their excellent night vision. It is my assumption that they feel they have the upper hand in the dark. If you like to use lights I would say go for it.
If the bear doesn't charge you....put your MasterCard back in your pocket and back away. Thank the bear. If he does charge you, dispute the charges at a later time.
the only good noise deterrent is a boom from a 44 mag cartridge. noise and bearspray do not work consistently so do not use them unless you are a dummass.
I had a dream where a brown bear was chasing me, where I improvised and googled «Scariest animal noises» on my portable speaker, and it worked until I got somewhere safe. Question is, is this realistic?
As long as it is loud enough it sounds realistic. There was a woman a few years ago who played some Metallica from her cell phone to deter a cougar. When the guys from Metallica saw this on the news they contacted her :)
I don't know how loud that would be in terms of decibels but having fired a few of those in my day I would guess that it won't be loud enough for the bear to care.
I just talk to myself onetime I was in a public trail and I usually use my own property so it doesn’t matter that I am talking to myself but when I went to a public trail 10 people asked if I was ok and 15 just stared
That is actually a serious problem. Bear bangers can explode behind a bear and cause the bear to move towards you. That's why in the video I recommend pointing them straight up.
marine signal horn is insanely loud. Keep in mind, if it is loud to a 40 year old man, imagine how loud it is to a seven year old bear with young ears and incredibly sensitive hearing
@@KevinOutdoors is this horn in your video also the marine signal one? And do you think that using it every 5 minutes just don't keeps a good perimeter around med even if I don't see any to prevent close encounters?
@@LCRLive687 Yes this is a marine signal horn. It won't last long if you use it every 5 min when you are in bear country. I would just use it when a bear is pestering you.
Good question, and I get this a lot from American viewers. Other than the U.S. firearms usually aren't legal to carry unless you are hunting (there are exceptions) and if your activity is something like backpacking guns aren't all that practical because of their weight.
![[Limbus Company - Teaser] Season5 - Oblivion](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8anKuEeZLeI/mqdefault.jpg)
Also, if that doesn't work, just grow a really manly beard as I have, and the bear will see your manliness and leave without incident.
LOL, I am experimenting with that. No bears want to talk to me so it must be working!
2a+,!
@@KevinOutdoors I know a few bears who would love chatting you up.
@@UguysRnuts loool! I love this so much
I’m unable to grow one, will a fake one work? 🤣🧔🏻♀️
Kevin, I watched all three of your parts on bears - you did a very nice/informative job - a real public service indeed. We thank you.
Much appreciated!
I think so too. I enjoyed watching it, and there aren't even any bears in my country.
Same here. My wife and I plan on moving to a country that has wild bears (and wolves), so I am concerned about biking up in the mountain roads. Your videos are very helpful!
Possibly the bear bells remind the bears of the ice cream trucks and come running toward the sound and being disappointed might react in an unfriendly manner. Who can blame them?
Yes, I imagine any bear that grew up in a neighbourhood with frequent ice cream trucks would make that connection.
I just read this 😂😂😂
Living in Europe far from any grizzlies and black bears, not planning to visit the US or Canada anytime soon but still find it extremely good to know some how. Those flairs, several bear sprays and horns I'd definitely carry with me. I'd assume fire would work as well.
Yes they generally don't like fire.
Holy water and crosses.
love your videos I am always wanting to learn how to prevent dangerous bear attacks after my encounter in the middle of night at my camp in the Green Swamp in Florida!
Wowza! Bears at night in your campsite are always concerning.
I love this channel even though I live in London, UK. 🤷♂️
Thanks, much appreciated!
Same here, you can never learn enough! Very well put together videos, thanks Kevin!
I'm going to be Camping on Vancouver Island, Squamish and Whistler later on this year and am understandably concerned about bears, I was thinking in particular about being attacked during the night whilst asleep in my tent, would a cattle prod be at all effective? I believe that the output voltage can be increased on some models but have seen nothing about anyone using them to fend off bears.
Whatever the answer, I AM going, this is the trip of a lifetime for me, British Columbia is where I should have been born-it's not somewhere I intend to die before I absolutely have to though!
Great videos, I won't die from ignorance after watching all of these!
Thank you (and a Happy New Year from the UK)!
First off, you are going to see some great places and I think you have the right attitude, be prepared but not afraid. The risks of being attacked by a bear are only little better than winning the lottery and the chances are very high that you won't see a bear in your campground at all. (hopefully you do see one while driving around). Unfortunately bear attacks do happen and sometimes when people are sleeping in their tent. If you are in a busy campground then an attack is much less likely since there are many other people around. I would drop the cattle prod idea. It could work but if you are asleep then it is no more useful than anything else. I do recommend bringing bear spray and having it close at hand. When I sleep in a tent in the backcountry I keep one can in the vestibule just outside the tent. Have a great trip!
the "personal alarms" used to prevent rape, with the pull cord, are 140 DB...BUT they produce a continual noise, unlike a bear banger or gunshot [.22 is also 140 DB...which sees to be the threshold point for decibels.]. cost 3-5$. it is worth noting that numerous bears have been found with imbeded bullets...so, even the DB of a gunshot does NOT NECESSARILY work on some bears. again, however, the personal alarms produce CONTINUAL noise at 140DB.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I don't have much experience with personal alarms. They don't seem to be very popular here in Canada.
@@KevinOutdoors lying under an open tarp at night isnt very good, considering bears, coyotes, wolves...who could just walk upon you at night. that has happened. this is the purpose of the alarm. consider: wild animals do not flee at the sound of a gunshot because they think, "he may shoot me". they dont know what a gun is. they flee BECAUSE of the decibels of the sound, which HURTS their ears. a 22 fired is the exact same decibels are the alarm i mentioned. so it "attacks" and "defends" all at once.
Aha! New info! It paid to keep up. You scared the CRAP outta me dude! I just came from vid#2 from last year. I click on this and BAM! there's this dude with a full on heard and shades. Like wtf is this? Lol. Bears and other wild animals are starting to move into (back) our burbs here in Northern IL. Like in backyards. We love animals so we want to be prepared to keep us AND the critters safe. Thankyou! Be safe out there dude. There's something else vicious waiting to take us down....😷🐾🐻🙏
Thanks Laura, yes that is what I am calling my covid beard. Thanks for watching. 😀
Great videos. They probably will save some lives, if they haven't already. Thanks Kevin.
Thanks, I hope the info helps someone some day.
More great information 👍 Thanks for sharing!!
You are welcome!
I notice air horns require to connect them to the cannister. How long do they last, because it seems like it must leak pressure, since that's the way they're sold.
Well, this video is over a year old and the horn still works perfectly. I don't think they leak much.
@@KevinOutdoors Thanks!
Stayed for the information, subbed for the beard!!
Awesome! Thank you! LOL.
I prefer the noise from my 12 gage. Works very well!
The best thing you can do to avoid encounters with bears is doing like me and living in a country where there are o bears ! :)
That would be 100% effective.
Great presentation.
Thank you kindly!
Ah I found what I was looking for disregard post on other video thanks Kevin
No problem 👍
thank you
Welcome!
Great series.
Thanks Kelly!
Very useful video. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Do you know a few phrases in bear? "Get the %&* out of here!!!" should do it. Thanks for some good info Kevin. I think I'll get some spray or an air horn or both.
Awesome, be safe!
After ringing the bell yell dinners ready!
Thanks for a n interesting and informative video. I've got one more question about whistles though.
Are bears sensetive to dog ultrasound whistles or something of that sort?
Good question, there is good evidence that bears (like dogs) can hear higher frequencies than humans. Some research has been done to see if these frequencies can repel bears and those studies showed some success. But in the studies the frequency, volume and direction were all important factors so there is no simple system that you could carry with you that would be effective.
Instead of carrying all that equipment, may I recommend a simple 44 mag. Makes lots of noise as well as putting holes in any bear rude enough not to allow you time to load and fire whatever you call that little firecracker thingamajig.
Thanks kegawine, I recommend people always carry bear spray in bear country but that other stuff isn't necessary at all. I do bring bear bangers on canoe trips and the signal flares do are great to have in an emergency situation. A sidearm isn't an option where I live.
44 only works if you can hit it, and most people are unable to hit a bear charging. Bear Spray and prevention are the best practice.
@@KevinOutdoors when I guide in Polar Bear Country, we carry shotguns. Like you said be careful with bear-bangers, they are shown to be ineffective, since people aim incorrectly and often hit further than they are aiming. Which would often be behind the bear and cause the bear to charge towards you. We stopped carrying them ten years ago. They are also extremely difficult to set up instantly. Bear Spray and letting the bear know you are there is the best option. Stay safe!
1:28 “it makes noise and alerts everyone in a mile and a half radius that you’re a chooch who doesn’t care about serenity”
A 'chooch', never heard that one before. Thanks for the positive feedback.
You are awesome! Thanku so much for this information!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Can a not too big megaphone make your own roar loud enough to scare the bear?
Everything I have read about this is that you have to hit a certain decibel level. I don't think most megaphones would create that, but I am not 100% sure.
If you accidentally see the bear you will fart so loud - hopefully he will be scared and runs away. ))
please, how many ounces in that air horn can?
3.5 oz
You have very good video on bear behaviour . Bear bang seem more then dumb! When bear are coming in it fast. Bear spray is the best with a air horn if someone else is with you. I solo hunt in grizzly country in BC. Bear spray in my hand at all times. No seen lots of black bears no grizzly thank God.
Thanks Phil, I think I was clear in the video that if someone encounters a bear they should reach for their bear spray first. A noise deterrent is only if one is lingering around and you have the time necessary.
Yes you where clean. I game wardens use bangs with rubber bullets to put fear in a social bear. Just add my two cents. I have enjoyed all the videos on the bears.
bear banger seems cumbersome to load up and use
They are. They are not what you want to reach for first. If a bear seems interested in you at a distance or is becoming a pest but not a clear threat then you likely have time to try bear bangers. I hope that approach was clear in the video. Noise deterrents are not 100% effective and have their challenges to deploy.
Kevin, we're going to Glacier in late June, any other words of wisdom for our hiking plans we should consider regarding bears? I think we'll stay on more known popular trails in the park (more people around), but not sure that will make bears less of a concern. Will have 2 large counter assaults on hips and an air horn (What brand you recommend? Seen some notes that some don't lock out well and go off unexpectedly), and will park the bells if they are attractants. We've had a grizzly issue up here in northern Idaho above Bonner's Ferry, so bears have gotten our attention as we prepare for Glacier? Watched all your bear series, thanks. 👍
Thanks Jeff, Sounds like you are prepared. Most important is to carry your spray and carry it where you can reach it. Counter Assault is probably the best brand out there. they invented the stuff and have probably got the strongest/furthest spray. Their safety guards are fairly robust in my experience. Regarding air horns I am not aware of any brands that are better than others. Travel in groups and make noise helps for sure. Have a great hike!
@@KevinOutdoors thanks. Got the counter assault that goes 40ft. And the current design holster from mystery ranch that allows you to pull off the safety cover with one pull while on your hip and shoot without having to pull it out of the holster and lose those seconds. Also got the kozee-tote to store it in during travel or storage. 👍
Curious - I’m always worried that my air horn could go off as there is no “safety” so I carry it in two pieces - which to me is kinda useless - how sensitive are they
Well the air horn isn't a first line of defence. If you see a bear that is simply curious or looking to steal some garbage or something, then that is the situation to reach for an air horn, you will have a bit of time.
How good are the BASU alarms? They make so much noise. Just wondering if these can work against a bear!
I have never used one but they seem loud enough. It is all about the amount of noise they make.
Great Video!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it.
44 mag. Good noise det.
Check.
awesome video!👍
Thank you! 👍
Last resort? .45 CAL
If air horns can warn bears of your presence and influence them to leave, does this do the opposite in mountain lion?
Reason being I've heard of a story of some group of people walking through the savanna in Africa by banging pots and pans and this attracted lions and they all died, so i was curious if bears and large cats have the opposite behaviour towards the same stimulus
I read an article where a woman and her dog had a cougar encounter. She whipped out her phone and played a Metallica song on full volume. The cat took off.
In my country there's a hunting joke: " -...and if all this fails and the bear will be beside you , throw shit in his eyes ... - Where from? - Don't worry, it will be enough..."
What about fireworks?
I am sure they would work but pausing, pulling out a lighter, and waiting for the 'bang' might be a bit time consuming.
hi kev, where can i buy bear bangers?
Some hardware stores carry them, otherwise outdoor stores should have them.
Would it be extra effective to use an airhorn/bear banger simultaneously with bear spray??
Hi Pan, I get lots of questions like this. My advice it to keep things simple if you encounter a bear. You only have two hands so use what you can and try and remain calm. That really is the best advice.
Only if you attach bear bells to your ankles.
I lived in the mountains for several years and saw plenty of bears but had no encounters but I have with a mountain lion and that's why I always carry. I didn't even know I was being stalked until I turned around to take a picture of the sunset and I spotted the cat looking at me in the tree line and fear just immediately took over and I began shaking, I was terrified because my truck was in the parking lot at the beginning of the trail and that was like 70 yards, so I grabbed a long branch that was on the ground. I was very lucky because it stayed a distance away but kept coming at me slowly and I did manage to make it back, but after that experience I never went in the woods with out a firearm that shot a minimum of 250 grain and also bear spray. On a side note I was surprised by a derecho some years back when I was out hiking, that was very scary, I had no clue anything was coming because there was no cell reception on the mountain, I got pretty messed up and my truck was totaled, thank god park rangers were in the area and found me, they couldn't get an ambulance to the are a due to all the trees down so they called in a helicopter, no broken bones but I did have 135 stitches and a scar for the rest of my life to remind me of that day.
It's okay if the bear ignores the bear bell. Of course the bell is not going to scare the bear off. The purpose is to alert the bear to your presence, so you don't scare the bear. Use it so you and the bear don't accidentally bump into each other.
Thanks Max. What I am saying is that studies have shown that bears can't distinguish it from ambient bird sounds. And when they can there is some evidence that the bells may attract a curious bear. So, they don't work.
@@KevinOutdoors Well you have to do something make your presence known. Unless you are going to be talking or singing nonstop, then you need something. Recently there was that hiker in California's Trinity Alps who walked right into a bear. He literally came face to face with it, and the bear clawed his face. That's what you don't want to have happen. Once the bear knows you are there, they generally move along.
@@MaxZomboni Right, the bells have been proven to not work so you need to make noise another way.
A Better Bear Banger: Smith& Wesson 50 caliber pistol.... S&W 500.... 2600ft.lb. muzzle energy for those hard-headed bears.
The 4" barrel version is almost 3.5 lbs. Not all that practical for a backpacker, not just to carry that extra weight but then to hold it steady and aim when the bear is coming at you. That's a challenge.
I always liked that old story of asking grampa how to identify bear poo - it's the one with the bells in it.
I recently found some after an overnight stealth c camp, no bells but it was fresh and stank.
@@theprophetez1357 How do you know there were no bells?
@@UguysRnuts I stirred it up with a stick to investigate. The smell almost made me fall over backward. Besides you usually find the bells in Grizzlies not black bears.
😂😂Perfect
🤣!!!
My top noise deterrent for bears is the muzzle blast from a .44 mag loaded with bonded bullets (no hollow points) or a 12 gauge loaded with slugs.
To each their own.
A ................REALIST !
Guess, you could say that this episode covered all of the bells and whistles of bear defense
*I'll see myself out*
LOL, thanks for that!
Personally, I'm more concerned about cougars. They will stalk their prey and are far more difficult to spot in advance of their attack. Several recorded incidents in the Yukon did not have good outcomes.
As a hunting guide in the Yukon I saw Grizzlies running the opposite direction every single time. If they spot you at a distance they will move away (at least that is my experience). At close range, and according to a fishing camp outfitter I once knew, they will rush towards you and then stop at roughly 10 yards. He claimed that in 10 years running a fishing camp on the Stikine River (seeing Grizzlies on a daily basis) that he had only shot one Grizzly at close range that did not appear to be stopping.
Grizzlies do have a very slopped forehead and thick skull, so aiming for the head is not the best option. A chest shot is much more likely to bring them down if you truly need to shoot them. Personally, I would rather not have to shoot a bear, keeping in mind that the wilderness is their home, not mine.
Great information though. I always laugh at hikers wearing the dinner bell to save them. However, I'm more disturbed by people who put their bear spray in their backpack. They have no idea how fast a bear can be!
Thanks for your videos. I've been in Glacier and had an up-close experience with a grizzly. Luckily, he never charged and I had my bear spray ready, but it was scarier than hell. We talked to a forest ranger who told us that they call bear bells, "dinner bells." They believe that cubs are curious and tend to go towards the noise and Mama follows.
Thanks Kim. Yes bear bells while once recommended are no longer considered safe.
Kim, we're going to Glacier in late June, any other words of wisdom for our hiking plans we should consider regarding bears? I think we'll stay on more known popular trails in the park (more people around), but not sure that will make bears less of a concern. Will have 2 large counter assaults on hips and an air horn, and will park the bells if they are attractants. We've had a grizzly issue up here in northern Idaho above Bonner's Ferry, so bears have gotten our attention as we prepare for Glacier. Thanks.
You should be running the National Parks man. You're good!
Ha, thanks that would be fun!
Grampa Joe always told us kids “NO BEAR BELLS! Makes you sound like Santa’s reindeers and them bears LOVE reindeers the most!” Oh how I miss Grampa Joe! Very similar to John Muir, he also loved to hike the Sierra Mountains with just his walking stick and a knife. ❤️
Thank you for this video series, very well done. ☮️💟✝️
Thanks Little Skittle we need more 'Grampa Joes'!
And put a portable electric bear fence around your campsite. There’s one out there weighing only 2.4 lbs and it’s really capable. Passive deterrence for a good night’s sleep.
Thanks for the videos, would you consider making one on encounters with wolves and/or cougars? I know that in general wolves won't attack if you stand your ground and look large, and not to turn your back on cougars and cats in general, but I feel like you'd be more knowledgeable on the subject.
This is the third video I have watched from you and they are very informative but on this third one you actually appear to be taking on the appearance of a real bear. Interesting.
LOL, thanks! That is my new COVID look! I have never grown out my beard and I thought this was a good time to see where it will go.
@@KevinOutdoors keep it going kevin! welcome to the BEARd club!
Do you know that I love this like this video.By the way do you want to be my friend?
When Chuck Norris encounters a bear, the bear takes out Chuck Norris spray.
OK, I have gotten a lot of bear jokes here. You are now ranked #1
Dunno if it'll work against Chuck Norris though
Would it?
I had heard that whistles were not recommended since they can sound like a wounded animal, and attract the bear.
That could be. They use high pitched whistles to attract wolves and coyotes. I am not sure it would work on a bear or not.
Kevin Outdoors lol I wouldn’t want to attract those either! And I wonder what a cougar would think of them..
Ty
Lead spray, it’s also an excellent bear banger depending on your aim.
Well done Kevin, looking manly these days!👍
Thanks during covid I thought I would let it go a bit. 👍
Great tips. I agree about bells and whistles, they do very little. I had a black bear stumble into my bush camp in the Yukon and I discharged an air horn and it didnt even flinch. My recommendation is to always have bear spray with you.
Thanks for that. Air horns can work, but as you outline perfectly, if a nuisance bear get used to humans and human caused noises it won't be bothered at all.
I live next to the GSMNP and fish in it often. You’re lucky to get a glimpse of a wild bear outside the park but there are some human and food conditioned bears in the park that will strut into your camp like straight up thugs. If you manage to scare a bear like that off, you best get locked, cocked, and ready to rock because chances are he didn’t go far. He’s just circling looking for a better direction to come at you.
@@wasidanatsali6374 100% I packed my camp as fast as I could, jumped on my motorbike and took off, spent that night in a campground with food lockers and stopped bush camping that far up north.
Bear spray doesn't always work esp around an angry grizzly.
I’ve been wanting to do some hiking here in Colorado, but I am extremely terrified of the wildlife. But this video definitely makes me feel a little more confident in venturing out. Thanks!
Go for it!
Carry a gun. There's mountain lions there too
You need a large caliber pistol with five or more loaded extra magazines to truly be safe. The The Micro Draco would be very effect against bears
...you have lots of BALLS!!...
Just wanted to say I really appreciate your bear series! I live in Alaska, in the city but I've been spending a lot of time in the woods due to covid19 lol and there has even recently been a black bear spotted near my house on one of my normal city trails where I walk my dog daily 😳 I knew basic bear safety, and how to tell the difference between bears but i really all the detail your videos have and I am going to buy some bear spray now. Thank you!
Thanks, glad to hear it. Hopefully you never need the spray but if you do it will be worth every penny.
Since I was a kid I've given a good old rick flair WOOO every few minutes when in the woods. Didn't know it would help with bears though, thanks.
LOL, that is perfect! Loved Rick Flair!
Then you have to suplex them.
Just because he was awesome and deserves his name spelled correctly - it's 'Ric Flair'. I don't know why, but that's the man's name. :D
@@UguysRnuts just don't try to apply the figure four leglock... can't vouch for its effectiveness against bears
Hiker: /rings bell
Bear: Hmmmm, let me go and investigate that interesting sound.....
As it’s so far out of my experience I found that really interesting.
Thanks Andy!
We've had a big ole Grizzly roaming around here at the Banff Springs Golf Course the past few days. Still see tourists get out and walk towards it. Play stupid games win stupid prizes I guess. Perhaps they aren't aware of the Bears ability to close distance in a hurry.
Yeah, and they can attack with lethal force when provoked.
It's valuable to hear from an actual subject matter expert.
Thanks Thomas, I just do my best.
The .357 magnum I carry is pretty loud. I figure the first one goes into the dirt if it is acting aggressive but not charging. I’ve only encountered a bear at close range once. Woke up in the middle of the night and when I shined my light out of the tent it was 6 feet away. Took off as soon as my light came on, and I cleaned out my shorts.
Flash light and strobe light can be very effective !
Buy a bigger caliber.
Thank you for the video. I have hunted Bears for years, but we can always learn something new.
Thanks J D.
wow, I survived 8 weeks holydays in USA in 1987 without bear contacts...and no one told me about the dangerous...
Glad you made it. Most people never see bears even if they do travel in the backcountry.
That beard is really making the most out of the quarantine!
Thanks, perfect time to grow a beard.
Uhm 12ga slugs deter most things !😮
lots and lots of gun comments this week.
I've watched as a sow nursed her three cubs while fireworks burst all around her. She laid back in the grass and awed at the sparkling display without so much as a hint of concern for the light, the smoke and the noise.
I've seen bears charge into a hail of heavy rifle fire and die on the run. I've heard of more than one bear take a hail of rifle fire and keep on going in spite of hits through the heart.
Only death itself stops a determined bear.
Other than infinite lethality, secondary options are just tools in the box that one might consider, depending on the circumstance.
Yeah, I hope I made that clear that these are things that might work especially if the bear is just curious and that bears can quickly get desensitized to noise.
I don't like the air horns!
Because it keeps accidentally going off - If only there was a twist lock for the top button.
Yeah not my favourite thing either but I wanted to cover the subject. Bear spray makes a lot more sense and it has safety features.
First line of defense is air horn. If the bear still charge then you go to the second line of defense bear spray. I'll buy both. hehehe.
Both are good. I would pull out the spray at the first sight of a bear. If the bear isn't an immediate threat then try the air horn.
Thank you for the tips! A friend of mine whose husband is an experienced hunter told me that if you wear a strong fragrance the bears will not approach you because they hate the smell. What do you think?
Bears have a great nose and are curious and have been documented to go after things that have previously been sprayed with bear spray. There is also some evidence that they avoid the cleaner 'Pine Sol'. So this might be true but it probably would depend on what the fragrance was. I wouldn't trust it to save my life.
The bear bell study I saw showed - like you said - that they didn't react to the bell. Interestingly, they then tested snapping a wooden pencil, and this had a 100% success rate of startling the bears. (not not it would be a good deterrent of course, just thought it was interesting)
Interesting. Is it possible to share the source? I'd love to see/read about that.
if snapping a pencil works, I wonder if wooden clappers or rattles would work better than bells
@@KevinOutdoors sorry late seeing this comment. RUclips blocks comments with non-youtube URLs so I can't link it, but if you search "bear bell efffectiveness pencil" it's the top hit, titled "No, Bear Bells Don't Work". I think it wasn't a formal study, but a series of tests by a guy named Tom Smith.
@@TrueFork maybe! I think the pencil snapping was so effective because it simulates a twig/branch snapping under the weight of an animal heavy enough to snap it. Not sure if clappers or rattles would simulate the effect enough or not.
Bears can be attracted by sounds of gunshots to game animals that hunters have killed. Wouldn't personally use the banger, sounds too much like a gunshot.
Correct, in some parts of the world bears have learned that a 'gunshot' is where they will find a kill. But if you encounter a bear a loud noise may still be useful. But as I say in the video, a loud noise isn't your primary defence it works sometimes. Pull out the bear spay first.
I think that due to the fact your facial beard is as much equivallant as as grizzly bears hair, you are safe from them, however the HABS hat, you not gonna make it, you gotta get LEAFS BOUND.learn dude.
LOL, thanks Steve, on to round two! 😝
Hi Kevin, wow you're starting to look like a bear yourself! Maybe this is a dumb question, how come you never mention carrying a weapon (like 44 Magnum) for self defense against bears? Thank you.
Another well-done video Kevin, it raises much awareness and can even save lives. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love your videos, you have answered all my questions in this last hour. Been living in Colorado and now I feel more confident when I plan my FIRST camping trip...finally.
Have a great time!
Kevin question? I follow all your guidelines to prevent bear encounters. I have a question. I love to hike and camp, but my main worry is night sleeping. I sleep better if I use fairy lights around the outside base of my tent, however, would this also attract a bear since they are curious? Thank you for all your helpful videos!
Good question. It is a real fear, it is rare but bears have pulled people from tents. 15% of the deaths caused by bears in the last 30 years occurred when people were sleeping in a tent. Now this part is speculation/experience, bears are curious but they rarely get curious about lights. Bears are much more active at night and I believe it is because of their excellent night vision. It is my assumption that they feel they have the upper hand in the dark. If you like to use lights I would say go for it.
I think the bear bell might make it harder for you to hear a bear that is nearby.....allowing you to get unintentionally closer.
That could be an issue.
Can you hang something on your back pack like pots/pans something making noise as your are walking?
I suppose that would work.
If the bear doesn't charge you....put your MasterCard back in your pocket and back away. Thank the bear.
If he does charge you, dispute the charges at a later time.
I'll be sure to give that a try :)
the only good noise deterrent is a boom from a 44 mag cartridge. noise and bearspray do not work consistently so do not use them unless you are a dummass.
LOL, thanks Peter, I hope you appreciate the irony of me clarifying how 'dumbass' is spelled.
what about bear spray for mountain bikers or something to warn while you're riding... mountain bikers are bigger targets..moving fast .. quietly
Makes perfect sense. I think a few of the manufacturers have holsters that fit in a water bottle carrier for bikes.
I had a dream where a brown bear was chasing me, where I improvised and googled «Scariest animal noises» on my portable speaker, and it worked until I got somewhere safe.
Question is, is this realistic?
As long as it is loud enough it sounds realistic. There was a woman a few years ago who played some Metallica from her cell phone to deter a cougar. When the guys from Metallica saw this on the news they contacted her :)
What kind of hat is that? Is that a toilet seat on there?
Best toilet seat emblem in the world! 😀
I want to know how to scare a way bears, thinking of doing some camping alone I love camping and walking in the woods,....
I hope this video gave you some ideas. Noise can be effective but nothing is 100% . I would also recommend carrying bear spray.
Thank you, very useful demonstrations👍
Thanks again!
what about forest fire issues with the explosive device?
Yeah, in the right conditions the bear bangers could easily start a fire.
Uhm ...What is that dark shadow behind you near the tree?
If only I had a bigfoot costume, he would walk behind me once in every video.
Hey I have a co2 bb gun not that loud but what if I shoot it at the direction of the bear with no bb's
I don't know how loud that would be in terms of decibels but having fired a few of those in my day I would guess that it won't be loud enough for the bear to care.
It could work, depending on how loud you can say "pew pew pew".
@@UguysRnuts yeah I think I'm better off ignoring it and making my presence known
Bears are extremely curious...will search to find bear bell noise
They sure are.
I just talk to myself onetime I was in a public trail and I usually use my own property so it doesn’t matter that I am talking to myself but when I went to a public trail 10 people asked if I was ok and 15 just stared
LOL, well I guess that is a drawback of making your own noise.
What if the bear gets scared away but it runs towards you?? LOL
That is actually a serious problem. Bear bangers can explode behind a bear and cause the bear to move towards you. That's why in the video I recommend pointing them straight up.
marine signal horn is insanely loud. Keep in mind, if it is loud to a 40 year old man, imagine how loud it is to a seven year old bear with young ears and incredibly sensitive hearing
Absolutely.
@@KevinOutdoors is this horn in your video also the marine signal one?
And do you think that using it every 5 minutes just don't keeps a good perimeter around med even if I don't see any to prevent close encounters?
@@LCRLive687 Yes this is a marine signal horn. It won't last long if you use it every 5 min when you are in bear country. I would just use it when a bear is pestering you.
Serious question. Why not use a gun? Super loud and levels the playing field.
Good question, and I get this a lot from American viewers. Other than the U.S. firearms usually aren't legal to carry unless you are hunting (there are exceptions) and if your activity is something like backpacking guns aren't all that practical because of their weight.