[pct-l] Bear Spray

[Jim Hubler]

I hate to be the guy to add even more to this somewhat ridiculous topic, but here goes...  

Bear spray or any other "protection" is really not worth the weight, hassle or expense, but it is not illegal in "ALL" National Parks.  If you go to the actual National Park Service website, nps.gov, they outline proper usage, rental options, etc. and as a recent visitor to Glacier National Park (where they rent and sell the spray in the park) I can assure you that it is allowed.  However, as a regular visitor of Yosemite, I also know it is not allowed in YNP.  Leave it to the NPS to not have correct content on all of their sites.  

I have opted out when it is permitted as I have found the bears to be far more afraid of me than I have ever been of them and I am pretty sure any surprise attack by a bear would be over long before any hiker in a panic could ever remove the canister from its velcro holster....😂 

Happy trails, Jim 



Sent from my iPad

> On Feb 20, 2016, at 1:15 AM, David Austin <davidaustin777 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I went to a REI Mt. Whitney class last night. Someone asked about bringing
> bear spray. The instructor said that bear spray was illegal in national
> parks. I searched to confirm.
> 
> From this site: http://sierrawild.gov/bears/faq
> 
> *Should I carry bear spray?*
> Bear spray is commonly recommended in grizzly country, but most visitors
> don’t carry it in the Sierra - *its possession in national parks is
> prohibited*.
> 
>> On Fri, Feb 19, 2016 at 11:20 AM, <rosiesbirds at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi-
>> Do people have an opinion on whether or not bear spray is a necessary
>> carry? Seems to be mixed online. Don't really feel like hauling that giant
>> bottle around, and I know I can't take it on the plane...but some folks say
>> it's essential.
>> Thanks all :)
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
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> 
> -- 
> - David Austin
> davidaustin777 at gmail dot com
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