dieseldan

If you just want me to tell you that you are right, than fine, you are right. The link and reference to some information at wikipedia.org was just one sentence, and keep in mind that wikipedia will let anyone add, remove, or edit information, which doesn't make the information credible without any sources of the information. This is how some urban legends get started. After doing a Google search of both web pages and news stories, I could not find one single story of a bear being attracted to a used pepper spray can. If you have a link to credible story, please post it, for our safety.

This is a poor information source without any other information or sources noted. This is not proof of any kind, and I still say it sounds false to me. OK, taking your advice, I did a web search. Everything I found refers to the improper use of oleoresin capsicum bear repellent spray, not the proper use of it. As a hunter, I know that the idea that black bears don't shy away from the sound of gunshots is just ridiculous. You've had some different experiences than I've had, see you're above line about "It's probably good to remember that just because you haven't heard of something doesn't mean it isn't true." And I have seen bears and other predators that have not turned and ran when shots have been placed near them, though most have. Again, you and I have had different experiences.

That is a very pretty snake. Anyone know exactly what snake that is in the picture?

I'll respectfully disagree. I'll respectfully disagree also. If the ".45's" you're referring to are .45ACP, then you will do better to lay down and play dead, or you better have a Thompson machine gun and at least a 50 round magazine. If you mean .45 Long Colt with a really hot load, then you're on Te right track. a 12gauge or larger shotgun is heavy, but loaded with slugs will have a good effect, if you can get follow up shots off fast. I have spoken with a man that claimed to have survived a grizzly attack in Canada by dumping two magazines of .460 Rowland into it, the first while the bear was charging, Te second as the bear was dieing, but still attacking. I have seen video of tigers hit by very large and powerful rounds continue to charge and attack. I have heard reports from hunters, wildlife control agents, and rangers that sometimes a wild animal does not react to a gunshot the way you would expect. I have heard from coyote hunters that while hunting during a thunderstorm, sometimes the animals seem to regard the gunshot report like thunder, and appear to disregard it. I have never heard any reports of an animal coming to the scent of the oleoresin capsicum spray bottle. This almost smacks of urban(I know, urban legend about the woods! ) legend. I stand by my statement, condensed: This is America, If you want to carry a gun, go ahead. I feel that if you can't practice with it to be able to shoot it reliably and always hit a charging target under the sudden stress of an animal charge or attack, then you may be better off with the pepper spray. Maybe you'll feel better with both. Me, if I'm going into bear country, I may carry a gun and the spray, but more than likely I'll just avoid any serious bear country (easiest option). I'm really just not concerned about an animal attack, it is way down on the list of problems that can occur to me out in the woods. I'm more likely to get lost or injure myslf somehow.

If you really are convinced you need something to defend yourself against wildlife in the woods, then I would suggest a good sized can of bear repellent that is easily available without a background check and a waiting period. No one will ever look at you funny for being in the backcountry and carrying this with you. It has been proven to work, and doesn't require the accuracy, maintenance, or practice of a firearm. If you are further convinced you need a firearm, here is the rule: You want the largest caliber with the fastest and heaviest bullet you can reliably shoot with, and any of these will recoil like the proverbial mule if you don't practice a lot. Go no smaller than a 44 magnum, as anything smaller might make a bear truly angry. Even with the 44 mag, you will have to put more than one round in the animal just to get it to stop, and you will be doing this under extreme stress with a charging (moving) target that will make it much harder to aim and shoot. The oleoresin capsicum critter spray works on their eyes, nose, and mouth. If a good shot gets in their eyes, they instantly shut from the pain and irritation. The animal cannot attack what it can't see. If a good shot gets in their lungs, it makes it harder to breathe, and this may convince them they don't have the advantage they thought they might have had. If it gets in their mouth, it may swell their throat and constrict their airway, and this may slow them down enough to keep spraying the critter. You will also be effected by the spray, too, especially if you spray into the wind, it will blow back to you. The bear spray also works against the two legged man hunter. Use the whole can on them, but not all at once. A good little shot every few minutes should be enough to make them remember you were not an easy target. People (usually) learn well from pain.