Charging Bear

dihappy · #1

What would you have done?

My life isnt worth the chance this guide took on his and his clients.
I would have shot the bear.

Although there is no guarantee that even hitting the bear would have warded off the attack, i think the odds are way better than just "scaring" it.

Lumberjack98 · #2

Wow!

It looks like everything turned out ok here. I'm not sure what I would have done. It's a good thing that he had that revolver.

DSARGE · #3

I would have had to change my britches

stevie_d_64 · #4

I believe that was an outstanding reaction...I don't think any round at that point would have stopped that bear from attacking...But the sound and the spash of the round in the water right in front of the charging bear was extremely effective...That was some good instinctive action by the host there!

A good example of why you should consider packing an extra pair of skivvies too!

Sangiovese · #5

That happened very fast. Great reaction time.

It wasn't "out of nowhere" (they knew it was a dangerous situation when they saw the cubs, as evidenced by them saying, "lets get out of here.")... but it was still very fast from the moment the specific threat appeared until they had to take action.

And you can add me to the list of people who would have had to change skivvies after that

ScubaSigGuy · #6

That's scary stuff. Do you think that bear knew the advantages of action vs. reaction the way it came charging out of the woods?

I think that they are very lucky that the shot scared the bear off. It's just amazing that he didn't freeze with that monster coming at him. Great instincts.

KBCraig · #7

Like I've always said: the term "warning shot" was invented by someone who missed.

The guy who posted the video insists it really was a warning shot, but then also says no follow-on shot was available because the gun jammed -- further reason not to waste one fifth of your ammo!

RubenZ · #8

Damn! and people think bears are slow and sluggish. Did you see how fast that sucker came out of woods and ran through water like it wasn't there.

badkarma56 · #9

First off, never surprise a bear, particularly one with young 'uns. This seemed like a tough situation to avoid though. Second, always carry a gun in the woods, and make every shot count.

If all else fails, move out fast, any which way you can!

stevie_d_64 · #10

Not that I ever expect to be in a situation like that...I wonder if my 45/70, if I hit it, would have done enough to stop it, or ward off a continued charge/attack???

Just thinking...

AEA · #11

Head shots are the only thing that would stop it in it's tracks.

Empty your mag into the head and hope that you can place at least two there. It will drop like a rock.

badkarma56 · #12

stevie_d_64 wrote:Not that I ever expect to be in a situation like that...I wonder if my 45/70, if I hit it, would have done enough to stop it, or ward off a continued charge/attack???

Just thinking...

A "brush gun" in .45-70 caliber? Not the ideal "hunting" round for bear (due to long range ballistics/"rainbow" trajectory), but I suspect that caliber would be an excellent choice for "close encounters," particularly in a handy-sized lever action rifle. That's an absolute thumper of a caliber, inside of 100-150 yards, not to mention inside of 10 yards!!

A good "brush gun" beats any handgun as far as potentially dangerous treks through the wilderness are concerned. Those super powerful revolvers that some hunters like to carry as "back up guns" recoil too dang much to be accurate with under pressure...give me a handy lever-action rifle any day over that jazz.

dihappy · #13

What rifle is this guy using?
He's a great shot! He sure did stop this mother bear in her tracks.

RubenZ · #14

dihappy wrote:What rifle is this guy using?
He's a great shot! He sure did stop this mother bear in her tracks.

Man what a waste IMO. Poor Bears. And I'm a hunter. Seriously, what is the point in hunting bears? it's not like the meat taste good.

flintknapper · #15

Looks like MamaBear was making a serious statement here.

I saw this same "clip" on an outdoors show last week...but there was more detail given.

The guide was aware of the bear(s) before the charge. On the show...it was related that the cubs got confused and separated from the Mama (one cub even went into the water). The Mama bear had been "Whoofing" to the cubs just moments before...and the guide was already prepared for things to go south.

The Sow knew where her cubs were a short time into the charge, in fact... she even runs into one of them in the process. All of the cubs are behind her at this point (she knows this).

I believe the guide was a "seasoned" sort and knew the charge would likely terminate before the bear reached the raft. He hedged the bet by firing in front of the Sow to help discourage her.

It is truly amazing footage....and a stark reminder of how fast and powerful these animals can be. It also gives visual confirmation to the old adage/advice "Don't get between the Mama and her Cubs".