S4-E91: Keep Bear Spray as a Back Up - a podcast by Heidi Lyn Rao

The extent that an individual is willing to go to protect themselves from a large wildlife predator is an extremely personal decision.  At the extremes, there are individuals who believe that nature should take its course and leave fate to nature, unwilling to harm an animal.  On the other extreme, there are those who go into the woods "looking for a fight" and arm themselves to the hilt.  These extreme individuals either end up dead or in a court defending their actions.  It is those individuals in the middle who respect nature enough to do everything possible to enjoy the wilderness without impacting it, while making sure they can enjoy it another day.

The best defense for dealing with large wildlife predators is to become educated about their habits, habitats, and biology.  Along with this knowledge, common sense is a MUST!  One of the most important safety devices anyone entering the outdoors, whether through hiking, camping, fishing or hunting, is "Bear Spray."

Bear spray is a chemical agent derived from various hot peppers, and is very effective on any animal with tear ducts.  There are both advantages and disadvantages to using bear spray.  Do your bear spray homework, and know what it is, how to use it, and how to carry it to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing when sharing space where large wildlife predators roam.  

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