[marktwain]

If no one has been attacked, how do you know that the “bear bangers” work?

For us in southern country, perhaps you could explain what a “bear banger” is.

The term would bring to mind a large caliber handgun in the United States.

[NCjim]

http://www.ursusinternational.org/en/bangers.html

[A Formerly Proud Canadian]

No one has been attacked BECAUSE they work. Over the years I worked for TA, Several employees have had to use them over the last few years, all successfully. Since there is no cellphone coverage in much of the mountains, and radio reception is poor, and there are not enough satellite phones to go around, employees can be on their own.

Basically, a 'banger' is similar to a shotgun shell, but has no shot, only a small plastic cap. You place it on a 'pen' launcher, aim it up directly over your head, and pull the trigger. It fires into the air making a loud 'bang', like a shotgun blast, which scares the bear away.

The downside is, in a panic, if someone aims it towards the bear and fires, and it overshoots the bear, you have a scared, angry bear running away from the sound TOWARDS you!

Here is a link to a "Bear Banger" from Mountain Equipment Company in Calgary.