>>2217950Not really.
If you're going to be travelling in any area that may have a bear population, here are my rules:
RULE 0) No infants: toddlers, or kids (teenagers okay-ish). Caring for children while /out/ basically makes everything harder and their crying/noises will attract predators.
RULE 1) Scent Control: Proper storage of food/supplies so that you reduce the chance of attracting bears to begin with.
RULE 2) Avoidance: Black bears are typically skittish unless socialized/conditioned to human contact or if they are protecting their cubs. DO make yourself look big, DO make lots of noise. DO NOT run, DO NOT make direct eye contact, DO NOT climb something to attempt an escape. Black bears will bluff charge, but if it's a Brown/Grizzly you're kind of at its mercy.
RULE 3) Self Defense: Bear spray will have mixed results. If you have no other option and are within legal means to do so, a firearm (minimum 10mm for semi-auto pistol, .357 Magnum for revolver, any .30 caliber rifle) will be far more effective but good shot placement is critical. Best angle to shoot a bear is when it's quartering away (see pic related) and a front shot is ill-advised (if it stands on two legs however, the heart will be exposed). Skull is particularly tough and if you don't inflict a mortal wound you'll only succeed in pissing it off. Even if you hit vitals it may take time for the bear to expire which of course it can use to maul you.
Once again, RULE 2 & 3 hinge on temperament of the bear and their socialization to human contact. Some localities will radio collar and tag problem bears. It would be wise to see if your locality does something like this.
