[pct-l] Bears vs Habituated Bears

[Eric Lee]

Fred wrote:
>
Do people carry "bear spray" (or whatever it is called).  From what I read
people seem to think it can work in discouraging a bear.  However, many
consider that if you are sensible, discouraging a bear is unlikely to be
necessary (as they runaway given the opportunity).
>

You're pretty much correct - bear spray can work to deter an aggressive
bear, but on the PCT you'll almost certainly not encounter any aggressive
bears.  The black bear is by nature fairly shy and you usually have to go
pretty far out of your way to get one riled up.  There are the rare
sensational exceptions, of course, but it's not worth carrying bear spray
over them.  Not only will you almost certainly not need it, but you have to
have it instantly available to hand at all times if you actually want it to
do any good.  It's not worth the hassle.

Grizzly bears (aka brown bears) are a different species with a more grouchy
disposition and are a different story, but you're not going to see any of
them on the PCT.  They're in Alaska, Canada, and the U.S. Rocky Mountains.

Eric