[Spruce]

I wonder if the victims were armed at all. I know I would have been packing if camping in Kodiak Country. And packing something heavy-duty, mind you.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I wonder if the victims were armed at all.

From Malibu? I doubt it.

[KevinB]

I wonder if the victims were armed at all. I know I would have been packing if camping in Kodiak Country.

They were from California. Guns bad, doncha know?

[toddst]

I wonder if the victims were armed at all. I know I would have been packing if camping in Kodiak Country. And packing something heavy-duty, mind you.

It would be worthwhile to know whether these people were at all prepared to deal with bears. My guess is they were not armed. If not, they never had a chance, as it's clear the bear was not afraid of people and apparently saw these campers as a food source.

Minimum weapon for this situation would be a .44 Magnum, this combined with some training to hit critical points should the bear become threatening.

[dljordan]

They were form Malibu, so I'm betting they weren't armed. They were probably wishing they were armed. I had an old girlfriend who moved to Alaska and she said when they went on a picnic they carried a .12 Ga. with slugs.

[Centurion2000]

I wonder if the victims were armed at all. I know I would have been packing if camping in Kodiak Country. And packing something heavy-duty, mind you.

They are from Malibu California, anything powerful enoyugh for bear is probably banned in that godforsaken state.

They had to fly commercial airlines to get to Alaska. The TSA would probably steal or cut up their guns (if possessed) just for kicks.

Odds are highly against them having firearms on the campground.

Of course being next to bears without weapons is a Darwin award candidacy by itself.

[Squantos]

They were from Malibu.......they can't even spell gun more 'n likely. Much less have one.

Stay Safe !

[CollegeRepublican]

If they were in a National Park, I don't think that they can be armed legally. However, I am not sure about the parks in Alaska.

[Strzelec]

Even if they were, might not have helped. Not only do you have to have the right equipment, but you have to be alert enough to use it VERY QUICKLY. Whatever deterent you have, better be in your hands immediately. Bears are very tough creatures and are amazingly fast - you only get one chance. And it's not unusual to unwittingly sneak up on one - or one to sneak up on you.

Personally, while I would pack a 3" S&W 625 in 45 Colt loaded with 300g Corbons, I would have a canister of bear spray attached to my pack strap in front of me, and would probable use is first. Accuracy is not as important with the spray.

A possible scenario. Bear best sense is his nose. They can pick up odors miles away, and they are attracted to smells associated not only with food but also those associated with menstruation or sexual intercourse. Although we may never know the true story, I wouldn't be surprised if the former was true or the bear caught them "in flagrante delicto".

What a heck of a way to go (shudder).

[RANGERAIRBORNE]

"I know I would have been packing if camping in Kodiak Country..."

Exactly right- when tent-camping up here, I sleep with a 12-gauge Remington 870 loaded with alternating slugs and 00 buckshot. (I mean literally sleep with it- it's not leaning against a tree outside, or in a gun rack in a vehicle. It's right next to me. So far, I haven't shot my foot off during the night- but I had a lot of experience sleeping with loaded weapons in the Army. I am not suggesting that everyone do this, but I am saying that if a bear decides to drag you off and eat you, he is not likely to allow you to go and get your weapon first...)

[OldCorps]

I wonder if the victims were armed at all. I know I would have been packing if camping in Kodiak Country. And packing something heavy-duty, mind you.

Something just tells me this is another case of clueless liberals being victims of their own stupidity. Liberals believe the left wing mantra that firearms are inherently evil. Because they swallow this propaganda, they put themselves at risk. I wonder if they attended the clueless liberal class on dealing with bear attacks. You know, ball yourself up in a fetal position, wimper and pray. Guess what lib. You've just become bear food. It goes without saying, that real men go into bear country packing heat. Not because we are tough, or bad or whatever, but for self defense. Wouldn't be surprised if somepeople think the libs got what was coming to them, and feel sorry for the bear. What a world!

[philetus]

I would say no about their being armed. They were from Malibu,CA!
Couple of PETA members, went to Alaska and got ate by a bear.