There has been a huge effort by the Anti-hunting anti-firearm’s anti-freedom crowd.
To push bear spray to save bears not humans.
People in the know that have used firearms on bears and other game animals know how effective they are.
VERY.
People who have trained and used spray if they have no agenda.
Know that is is a poor substitute for firearms in a deadly force Situation.
I have shot bears with rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
I have been trained and used spray.
When confronted by a critter that is faster, stronger, most of the time bigger and is always armed.
Yes, bears are always armed with cutting, slashing, puncturing, and impact weapons.
A good firearm is the best protection to have in hand.
We only have black bears around here. They usually come around in late summer and fall. Most of the time they turn over the trash can and break branches on my fruit trees. Sometimes they are a light brown or auburn color but can get pretty big. If I see them close by I’ll fire a few rounds in the air and they take off. It’s the cougars that I’m more concerned with. I saw one last year that truly looks almost as big as an African lion. They’ll get you when you least expect it.