Gun, not spray, was a wise split-second choice in bear attack

I would like to comment on the recent bear attack in the Hungry Horse area, particularly the comments by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

That was close! The effectiveness of bear spray has been well documented and I do not dispute that. But really, has it’s effectiveness been tested on a bear while it is chewing on someone?

I would conclude, even if Fish, Wildlife and Parks is reluctant to admit it, that this man was very prepared for “this” bear encounter. Seriously, if the man had both his .44 and a can of bear spray, does Fish, Wildlife and Parks feel that he should, in a millisecond, before the bear drags his son off into the brush, decide “let me try this first” and opt for the spray?

C’mon guys, his son was in the bear’s mouth.

—Tom O’Bleness

Libby