I admit
it. I have an irrational fear of
bears. Yep, but I have to say, its only
big bears such as grizzlies and black bears.
I have no idea why but I think it may have something to do with watching
an old American west film called, strangely enough, “Grizzly”. I recall being terrified by it. So it is absolutely true that when in bear
country, I become a complete nervous wreck, constantly looking over my shoulder
and listening out for that crack of the twig!
Consequently,
you will appreciate my recent experience of holidaying in the Canadian
Rockies. While I am a regular visitor to
the Rockies, I usually go in the middle of winter when I can pretty safely take
a leap of faith in nature and the need for bears to hibernate.
Further, I generally have skis on my feel,
which I believe provide me with a speed advantage. So this trip tested my resolve as its spring
and of course, nature’s critters are all happily out there enjoying the sun!
Therefore,
in preparation of a close encounter, I did my homework and researched the
options for my survival techniques. I
did momentarily contemplate using the generally reliable “throw your husband in front” strategy but decided that our legal
affairs were too complicated to efficiently pursue that one. In the end, go with the experts I say. So I was thrilled to obtain official advice from the Rocky Mountain Visitors Guide on what to do. For your benefit, I thought I would repeat the important bits:
“If you
encounter a bear on the trail: stop, stay calm and quiet. Don’t make any sudden noises and avoid eye
contact. Avoid getting between cubs and
mothers….You cannot outrun a bear, so don’t try. Back away slowly. Talk to the bear in a calm, but firm,
voice. Keep your bear spray handy….If a
bear is charging, have your bear spray ready.
Direct the spray at the animal’s eyes.
Fire at a close range of five to 10 feet as bear spray is not effective
over 10 feet. Step aside and let the
bear pass…If a black bear is attacking you, or you are attacked at night by
either a black or grizzly bear, consider it a predatory attack and fight back
with everything you have.”
Right. So as I understand it…don’t pick up the cub for a cuddle, have a chat with old mate, wait until its 5 feet from you, spray it directly in the eyes, and then if that fails to have any effect on a 4000 pound killing machine…. die. That seems reasonably straightforward.
However, I do have some questions that require clarification:
- What is the appropriate nature and subject of the conversation one would have with the bear?
- When “stepping aside”, how much space should one allow for the bear to “pass” on by?
- What the hell is bear spray???!!@@##
Because I was unable to obtain
sufficient and timely clarification, I decided that while hiking, staying in
the middle of a number of other people who can safely provide ‘snack pack’
options for the bear was wise, as was staying in the car while at a substantial
distance. Survival of the fittest I say
and I am not afraid to admit it!
All jokes aside though, there is
something exhilarating about seeing one of these guys in the wild. I was blessed to see three black bears and
one grizzly on my travels. All four were
pretty happy grazing on dandelions, which these big critters apparently
love.
There is no question that the Canadian Rockies are magnificent and if there is one place everyone should get the chance to see in their lives, its these wilds.
Winter or spring, it is truly one of Mother
Nature’s most spectacular sights.
