i lived in thew alaska bush for 9 years my cabin was amile off the road and next to salmon stream i almost religiously carried a 12 guage pump ive seen lots of bears never have i been threatend by them, only once was i caught in the bush without my gun and i was the closest i have ever been to a bear he was only ten yards away and busy eating blueberrys i cautiously walked back to where i came from watching the grizz the whole time. i was scared no doubt but if one doesnt pose a threat to a bear and leave them be you shouldnt have a problem, as to your protection the best thing is common sense. talk out loud when in bear country, give them the right of way, dont cook or eat in a tent, keep camp site clean and free of food, dont run they will chase you, they are much faster, in quebec this spring i killed a black bear with a bow and arrow at 12 yards kill zone is small on a bear but if you hit him in the vitals they will only go 30 yards and die quickly any where else you are in trouble if a bear is charging and you have no firearm remain still chances are he will bluff.if he attacks assume a fetal position cover neck and try not to resist , easier said then done but it will help you, you shouldnt be afraid of the bears they do need to be respected though give them plenty of room dont crowd them just let them be,just be sensible enjoy the beuty of alaska check with canada on transporting both pepper spray and firearms remember they dont allow hand guns in the country so you must ship them to a dealer in alaska, i hope this helps i will be there aug 8 fishing for salmon and grayling
i guess i have said enough have fun be wise and tight lines __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Health - Feel better, live better http://health.yahoo.com
