Is Counter Assault the best for bears?

Share your tips for safe hiking, surviving in the wild and managing hiking injuries!
User avatar
gaby
Posts: 127
Joined: April 24th, 2013, 10:07 am
Contact:

Is Counter Assault the best for bears?

Post by gaby » June 2nd, 2013, 6:31 pm

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?

User avatar
Koda
Posts: 3466
Joined: June 5th, 2009, 7:54 am

Re: Is Counter Assault the best for bears?

Post by Koda » June 2nd, 2013, 7:07 pm

yes,

works equally as well on cougars, dogs and criminals as well.
lightweight, cheap, strong... pick 2

User avatar
gaby
Posts: 127
Joined: April 24th, 2013, 10:07 am
Contact:

Re: Is Counter Assault the best for bears?

Post by gaby » June 2nd, 2013, 7:19 pm

Thx u! N the bell is good too?

User avatar
arundodonax
Posts: 1043
Joined: August 12th, 2010, 8:02 pm

Re: Is Counter Assault the best for bears?

Post by arundodonax » June 2nd, 2013, 7:35 pm

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.

User avatar
vibramhead
Posts: 810
Joined: November 15th, 2009, 10:52 am
Location: SW Portland

Re: Is Counter Assault the best for bears?

Post by vibramhead » June 2nd, 2013, 8:22 pm

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.
Time spent hiking will not be deducted from your life.

GPS tracks on Wikiloc.

User avatar
Koda
Posts: 3466
Joined: June 5th, 2009, 7:54 am

Re: Is Counter Assault the best for bears?

Post by Koda » June 2nd, 2013, 8:44 pm

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.
lightweight, cheap, strong... pick 2

User avatar
gaby
Posts: 127
Joined: April 24th, 2013, 10:07 am
Contact:

Re: Is Counter Assault the best for bears?

Post by gaby » June 3rd, 2013, 4:06 am

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?

User avatar
vibramhead
Posts: 810
Joined: November 15th, 2009, 10:52 am
Location: SW Portland

Re: Is Counter Assault the best for bears?

Post by vibramhead » June 3rd, 2013, 6:09 am

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.
Time spent hiking will not be deducted from your life.

GPS tracks on Wikiloc.

User avatar
Chase
Posts: 1265
Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm

Re: Is Counter Assault the best for bears?

Post by Chase » June 3rd, 2013, 6:13 am

vibramhead wrote: If You Encounter a Cougar

Do not run. Running triggers a chase response...
It is true. You run, I will respond.

mcds
Posts: 802
Joined: April 7th, 2012, 4:25 pm

Re: Is Counter Assault the best for bears?

Post by mcds » June 3rd, 2013, 8:48 am

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

Post Reply