Oregon Hikers

Just want to pack the best possible, plz share ur advice
So far i have read a lot about how to act in case of bear presence, now should i carry the Counter Assault and a bear bell?

yes,

works equally as well on cougars, dogs and criminals as well.

Thx u! N the bell is good too?

My understanding (from the various sources I've read that may or may not be correct), is that bear spray is unnecessary for black bears. In Oregon, we only have black bears—it's the grizzles out on the continental divide and in Alaska where bear spray is needed. I've never heard of a black bear attack—let alone a bluff charge—on a hiker in Oregon or Washington.

Though I could be wrong.

I only carry bear spray in grizzly country. I really don't think you need to worry about black bears here. I've seen a few in Oregon, and have never seen any sign of aggression. According to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, "Only four cases of human-bear interactions have been documented in Oregon in which a human received injuries; there are no documented human mortalities in Oregon as the result of black bears." Black Bear Management Plan, at p. 18. I don't think I've ever seen anyone hiking in Oregon with bear bells.

a bell in Oregon will practically guarantee you wont see any wildlife up close.

I agree, I don't think you have to worry about black bear attacks here in Oregon, or anywhere. The numbers are too low. If you see one, take a photo and post here they are beautiful animals and we will be jealous you saw one.

Ok so no bear spray in Oregon! Good! Thx so much! I'm getting there on a road trip so I ll see other areas but super happy to hear what you have shared with me. Thx soooo much!
So, what should I know about cougars?

gaby wrote:So, what should I know about cougars?

All you need to know about cougars is that you'd be very, very lucky to see one. I've hiked widely in Oregon for 18 years, and have yet to see one, despite the fact that there are about 5000 of them in the state. They're mainly active around dawn and dusk. In the unlikely event that you do encounter one, don't run. Here's what ODFW advises:

If You Encounter a Cougar

Cougars often will retreat if given the opportunity. Leave the animal a way to escape.
Stay calm and stand your ground.
Maintain direct eye contact.
Pick up children, but do so without bending down or turning your back on the cougar.
Back away slowly.
Do not run. Running triggers a chase response in cougars, which could lead to an attack.
Raise your voice and speak firmly.
If the cougar seems aggressive, raise your arms to make yourself look larger and clap your hands.
If in the very unusual event that a cougar attacks you, fight back with rocks, sticks, tools or any items available.

vibramhead wrote: If You Encounter a Cougar

Do not run. Running triggers a chase response...

It is true. You run, I will respond.

Considering Oregon encompasses 100,000 square miles and considering cougar density peaks at 3-8 per 100sqmi, an estimate of 5000 cougars suggests the entire state is prime habitat and is saturated.

http://mountainlion.org/CAL_ch3.asp