Bear Attacks in 2011 Not Out of the Ordinary

An Island Park hunter in Easter Idaho is recovering at home after a bear attack this weekend. Of course, nowadays, it seems as though bear attacks are on the rise with many being reported in the news. However, while bear attacks are generally a rare occurrence between humans, they are not out of the ordinary for Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming where residing with bears is typically expected.

As there are two different species living in one area, there can be times when encounters with bears is expected.

In 2011 so far, grizzly bears have charged at people 53 times, which results in eight injuries and two deaths. The two death incidents took place in the middle of Yellowstone National Park, the first in 25 years.

According to the regional wildlife conservation educator at Idaho Fish and Game, it is believed that the Yellowstone area grizzly bears are increasing in number size. As a result of this, the middle of the park is full of grizzlies where they are recolonizing areas they were once living in. Of course, with this comes the problem that humans are there as well.

There is another type of bear to watch out for. These are the black bears, which are just as dangerous. Many people may underestimate black bears and consider them cute or cuddly, but there are many more black bears in the U.S. than there are grizzly bears.

One self defense device that Fish and Game can’t stress enough is the employment of bear spray. These days, it is necessary for hikers and those residing in areas with bears to have this device on them for added protection.

While you may not encounter a bear along the way, it is better knowing that you have a device on hand that is aimed at protecting you against such an occurrence if you do find yourself confronted with a bear.

The use of the spray canister is much better compared to using a firearm because if you hit a bear with a gun and it doesn’t kill them, then you are left with an angry bear charging through the forest with the intention of harming those it comes into contact with.

To avoid this, spray them with bear spray, which doesn’t harm them, but does force them to retreat as the spray gets to work quickly.