travel and rhum

If you haven't heard by now, the story. Tragic for the families involved. Wanted to share thoughts as it's kinda made me pause about my trips in grizzly country.

The couple was experienced, had a dog, well trafficked national park, and did everything right in terms of food storage. Emptied bear spray can was found amongst the bodies after a search party went to get them after the SOS message.

Nothing is ever certain in the backcountry regarding animal encounters (surprise a mama bear and cub, bear defending food source, etc.) and everyone knows it's very rare to get attacked. As the news reports allude to, we'll never know all the details of what really happened. It's still got me thinking on increasing survival chances. Even the most powerful of handguns aren't looked favorably on due to the sheer firepower needed and being able to aim them at the right spot in a stressful scenario. Carrying a full on rifle is a lot of weight and still have similar problems.

I'm experienced and very content to hike alone in black bear country and a bit warier in grizzly country, but will still do it. When in grizzly country, I usually feel much safer with any kind of partner. My theory being if we do get attacked, at least ONE of us will be able to get a decent shot off of with bear spray, which theoretically should get the bear to disengage. The fact that there was an emptied bear spray can and that the struggle was spread out has spooked me a bit.