Brown bears, Grizzly bears, black bears - pepper spray with capsaicin is a proven deterrent to a bear attack. Yeah, I know. Bears do not roam our urban streets unless you are reading this from somewhere in Alaska. There bears are apparently considered something of a nuisance.
My cousin Doug Vermillion, MD, an orthopod/burn specialist in Anchorage sent me a first person account from a colleague who was attacked by a bear and survived! It is a harrowing tale and you can read this first-person account by Googling Chris Zerger, MD, Anchorage Bear Attack. I must say that for a doctor (masters of the illegible) it is well written.
/The story begins after setting up camp. he and companion decided to explore a little completely forgetting to carry their cannisters of bear spray.
Bear spray? WTF. Turns out that capsaicin-loaded spray will deter a bear or a dog or a human. PETA will be happy to learn that it doesn't kill bears which most of the rest of us might not believe is a good thing. I don't. In fairness to the bear though, a mother defending her cubs should not be blamed for acting protectively. We wouldn't want a bear to attack our offspring. But gangs of teenage bears, roaming around looking for some fun is an entirely different matter. I wonder if they bet on which bear can scare a human the highest up a tree?
Anti-bear Spray is available on amazon (to no one's surprise) and prices range depending on size of cannister. Jot a note to yourself if you are planning an Alaskan cruise, to send for one well before your departure date. They do take you off of the ship from time to time. Be prepared!
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