Bear Safety is in Question in Yellowstone After Two Deaths

Yellowstone’s bear manager and park officials are looking into the deaths of two hikers after grizzly bears killed them year this. Previous to these attacks, there had only been one bear-caused injury reported each year since studies began in the 1980s.

Yellowstone’s bear manager said that there is greater activity in Yellowstone with over three million people flocking to visit. It is estimated that over 30 years ago the bear population was around 200, but today, biologists put that figure to over 600.

At the heart of the Yellowstone program is to make sure that tabs are kept on bears and camps and developments are sanitized so that bears can’t gain access to human food. A study has found that backpackers understand this and many of them carry bear spray when hiking into the backcountry.

However, only 16 percent of casual hikers, such as the two killed, actually carry the self defense spray on them for protection. When it comes to a person’s safety it is important that measures are taken so that if they should find themselves confronted by a grizzly bear then they can effectively defend themselves at a moment’s notice.

In this day and age with more bears coming into contact with humans there should be measures in place for people to feel confident enough to rely upon when it comes to their protection. While it is possible to use a traditional firearm, such a device for hikers would not be sufficient as it would be cumbersome to carry. Not only that, but it doesn’t come with the guarantee that the bear targeted will be deterred.

Instead, such a device is likely to anger the bear further if killing the bear straight away wasn’t possible. For this reason, it is a better alternative for hikers to consider carrying bear spray with them instead.

While no one wants to be faced with a bear while out hiking, simply knowing that it is there will mean that should you need protective assistance you will have it on hand. When it comes to hiking in bear territory, it is important that you don’t leave anything to chance.

Having a device on hand will make all the difference and will mean that instead of worrying about bears you can enjoy your hike through Yellowstone National Park.