5 polar bears have surrounded a team of unarmed researchers at remote outpost, won't leave

[bvar22]

47. Any bear will do that.

Your domestic house cat will also eat you if you die, or maybe even if you can't defend yourself and it gets hungry.


I, also, (read your post above) never go into BEAR country without protection.
I prefer a magnum revolver. If you have a slung rifle, or sit down at camp and lean your rifle against a tree,
it does you no good at all.

I probably won't shoot unless I am "in the grasp".
In that case, a rifle is worthless. I carry a magnum revolver on my belt where I can reach it with either hand.
No safety, no two handed cock, just point anywhere near the chest or underarm, and keep pulling the trigger.
It never gets in the way. I have never leaned it up against a tree, and usually (if in bear country) sleep with it on my belt. Try finding your rifle if a bear tears open your tent at 3AM.

Hiking with a rifle gets tiring after the first mile, and slung on the 2nd mile.
Plus, carrying a rifle negates the use of at least one hand and arm while hiking.
I like both hands free when I'm in the woods.

There are 1st person reports of Bear and Mountain Lion attacks online.
Most of the victims didn't know they were in trouble until they were "in the grasp".
This is especially true of big cats, who stalk from behind.
"I never knew he was there" seems to be the most common comment.

A Bear Charge will make noise and give you some time to get ready, but did you remember to take the safety off on your rifle? Do you have time to check? Are you sure you have a chambered shot ready?
....because you will only get one chance, if any.
None of these questions or anxiety apply to a revolver.

I also believe that healthy bears won't attack humans.
That is what everybody says, and I'll go along with that,
but what about Unhealthy Bears?

*Bears that are starving because of abscessed teeth, or just old, slow, and cranky.

*A young male who just lost a mating battle with an older, meaner bear will be very upset,
and probably kill the next thing that crosses his path

*Never get between a Mom Bear and her Cubs.... Good advice!
IF you always know where the Momma is, and the Cubs are.
How the hell does a hiker keep track of the location of all Mom Bears & their Cubs along their route?
You can walk right between them and won't know it until the Momma grabs you.

My wife and I love critters...all critters, and we keep a bunch ourselves on our very rural place in the Arkansas Mountains. We love life, and all living things (except mosquitoes). We work hard to make our little place a tribute to nature and life,.... but we don't believe in being stupid.