Posted by ZULU:
"...I can carry a shooting iron to protect myself. I like watching wildlife too. But I like to the one in control - not the bear or the cougar..."
We are in complete agreement. In the summer of 2002, my spouse and I encountered three cubs and a mother bear while on the trails near Delaware Water Gap. We had stopped for a drink when I heard a "snap" in the woods and saw the mother bear and two cubs. Upon looking around, I noticed we had "split" the final cub who was off to our right from the rest of the family. Total distance between everyone was no more than 20 yards.
My eyes were probably as big as saucers because I recognized the extreme danger in which we found ourselves. I could swear I could hear my own heart pounding in my ears.
The only thing I could think to do was to continue facing the mother bear and walk backwards until disappearing from the line of vision. Once this was accomplished, we turned and ran...warning everyone we encountered what just happened. We reported it to the rangers as well. You would not believe the number of dopes who listened to my breathless story and then checked their cameras to ensure they had plenty of film! My .357 Magnum and extra speedloaders would have been very welcome as "insurance" during that stressful time if we weren't in such a liberal state.
Hopefully few will have to endure a fright like that.
~ Blue Jays ~
"My .357 Magnum and extra speedloaders would have been very welcome as "insurance" during that stressful time if we weren't in such a liberal state."
Nothing feels so good in such circumstances as a little "insurance" if needed.
I've had a similar experience, it's so similar I won't repeat it all, just that I was in Sterling Forest/Ringwood State Park border, came upon a mother bear and 3 cubs, walked slowly backward after having the cubs start fake charges, as I was walking on, I passed a group of Asian tourists, with 6 or 8 kids, when I told them they should turn around because there were aggressive bears a quarter mile down trail, they unzipped their stupid fanny packs, grabbed their cameras and kids, and took off down the trail. Toward the bears.
Oh my goodness, what a drama queen.