My grandfather used to quote what he claimed was an old Indian saying: "A tree fell in the woods. The eagle saw it. The deer heard it. The bear smelled it." So if you live in bear country, think on that, and handle food accordingly. //
If you're interested in learning more about bear attacks, I recommend the Stephen Herrero book "Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance." It's an excellent work by a Professor of Environmental Science and Biology at the University of Calgary (Canada), who has made a lifelong study of bears and their behavior. In that book, the author notes that black bears are actually more likely to attack humans with predatory intent than grizzlies. A grizzly may rush you because you got too close, or because you're near its cubs, near a carcass it has claimed, or because it's just having a bad day. A black bear is more inclined to try to eat you. The prevalent wisdom with griz is to avoid any show of aggression, but to a black bear, make yourself look big, make a lot of noise, and if it attacks, fight. //
Dr. Dealgood
2 hours ago
If they want to eat us, then we should return the courtesy.
Bear meat is tasty, but must be thoroughly cooked as they are rife with parasites.
