April 24th, 2023
8minute read
Grizzly bears are incredible predators that not everyone gets to witness firsthand.
They arent interested in approaching or hurting people.
A Considerable Threat?
The author spends a lot of time in areas where brown bears are common. You can learn a little about how to handle a grizzly encounter through her experiences.
Before my first experience in grizzly country, I did some research.
Like most people, I could say I was scared for the first time based on what I read.
Grizzly bears are large, aggressive, and unpredictable.
While a handgun is not ideal for taking down a large predator, if capably powerful and effectively used, it can make a difference.
We hear brutal and tragic grizzly stories all too often on the news and theres a reason for that.
Grizzlies are top predators.
They are potentially a significant threat lurking in the bushes on your favorite hike.
You can encounter a grizzly bear anytime you are in their territory. It doesn’t matter if you are hiking, scouting or hunting.
Most people that get attacked by a grizzly dont survive to tell the tale.
If they do survive, they are scarred for life by the giant claws and teeth of the beast.
Grizzly bears are not afraid to attack and fight nearly anything.
Compare the size of the bear to the author. Bears are large predators and you need practical tools with which to defend yourself.
As a result, I feel its extremely important to carry a proper sidearm in grizzly country.
Grizzly country is not a place to be underprepared.
Some of the things that you read on the internet about grizzly protection can be accurate.
Riding a horse can give you a better view of the surroundings. However, you have to remain very aware and cautious whenever you are in bear land.
Most grizzly attacks of which I am aware happen when a person hiking a trail surprises the grizzly.
Lastly, one of the most common attacks that we hear about is when a sow has cubs.
Sows with cubs are extremely aggressive and unpredictable.
If you have a view like this, you are likely in a bear habitat. Keep your head on a swivel and be on the lookout for any threats.
If at all possible, hunt with a buddy for safety.
I have hunted alone in grizzly country, but only while being extremely prepared and aware.
I had spare magazines nearby as well.
Pay attention to the ground. Scat and tracks can give you a clear warning of danger in the area.
One fateful day, I was hiking on a game trail through thick timber.
The scat was so fresh that it was steaming in the cold Alaskan air.
I got butterflies in my stomach.
Even if you are not afraid of bears, only a fool would fail to respect them and the danger they can pose when you are in the wild.
Thick trees with no visibility surrounded me.
I quickly looked at my GPS and realized there was an opening to my right.
I realized that if I traversed the mountain rather than walking the spine, Id have more visibility.
I did the same for my hike back, and luckily, I never bumped into him!
My dog and I hiked together to find moose sheds every day and it was so fun.
One morning, we started hiking on a game trail at first light.
Dixie, my spunky chocolate lab puppy, started to get excited and took off on the trail.
I yelled her name, and she came back.
As she did, I approached what got her excited: fresh, big grizzly tracks in the mud.
Just like my caribou hunt, I was in thick timber.
Dogs can be a good and a bad thing in Alaska.
I also coached Dixie into staying closer in hopes of her not instigating a fight.
Luckily, we never saw that grizz!
More Close Calls
In September of 2022, I had multiple grizzly encounters in Alaska.
Once on horseback, we noticed sow and cub tracks on top of our horse tracks.
Because of the mud and thick timber, we had to take the same trail back.
All we could do was be extraordinarily aware and alert.
We chatted and had a loud conversation along the trail so that we wouldnt surprise any bears.
Luckily, we never bumped into them even though they had to be close.
Ive been fortunate and have never had to use any of them or pull the trigger.
I have a go at give them their space and respect them.
Bottom Line: brown bears are not something to fool around with or underestimate.
Be smart, be aware, be prepared, and carry a sidearm.
And, do everything you’re free to to avoid an encounter with them.
Go to forum thread
