Bear Essentials, by John Cookin and Tom Reed, 84pp., 2009. Stackpole Books. Mechanicsburg PA. ISBN 978-0811735490
Having recently completed not just the recertification process as an E.M.T. but also a grueling, on-line class at the community college on basic human anatomy and physiology, I found myself looking for something that was both fun but would also make me a better E.M.T. and improve my ability to respond to emergencies. While browsing online, I stumbled across this and the NOLS River Rescue Guide. While the River Rescue Guide sits in the massive yet-to-be-read pile, this proved to be a fun, informative, little read that taught me many things about its promised subject, bears, dealing with bears, and bear safety.
First, be advised this is a very tiny book. It measures 4 by 6 inches, is only 84 pages in length, and fits easily in one's pocket. Some would say it's not a book at all, more of a pamphlet, and is not worth the price. As for me, I disagree and was quite satisfied. Nothing wrong with a tiny book if it actually gets read, doesn't waste your time, and teaches you things that you want to know, and this book (booklet?) does all three.
One thing I liked about the book is that it did a nice job of giving good advice and sound warnings on the dangers of bears, large, meat-eating animals that have been known to clash with people and at times kill and even eat humans, with the facts that the vast majority of bears would just plain simply avoid us and the ones who actually are the most prone to seek out either humans or human encampments are doing so because stupid humans have left out food and behaved irresponsibly in bear country, thus giving these bears the impression that one way to get food is to find us and eat ours. Yes, bears do often seek to take food from humans, but it's generally because some humans have acted in a way that teaches the bears that this is a pretty valid feeding strategy.
Likewise, it contains much detailed information on the best ways to keep food away from bears in bear country. This often involves hanging the food from a height, out of reach of the bears. The book characteristically points out that if you climb the tree to hang the food, statistically, at least at NOLS --the National Outdoor Leadership School-- camping injuries from tree climbing accidents far outnumber the injuries from bear related incidents so keep safety in mind. While it does recognize that man-hunting bears do exist, it puts this in the context of man-hunting men (serial killers) and recognizes that both are rare yet both do exist.
Basic strategies advocated include when in bear country do not do things with food that will tempt bears and keep in mind bears have an amazing sense of smell and learn quite quickly so do study what tempts a bear in that region before planning your camping trips.
When in bear country, act in such a way so that you won't accidentally surprise a bear. Travel in groups, be noisy, sing, and so on, that way the bears will avoid you and you will both be better off.
The book does speak often of bear spray and advocates carrying it. Its attitude on firearms, strikes me as realistic and common sense oriented . Yes, firearms can be used to shoot bears and this can be desirable. However, you better be a good shot and not miss or wound when you need to, and most people, according to the book, are likely to do that particularly when scared as they are likely to be when trying to defend themselves from a bear. And a wounded bear, left alone and in pain in the wilderness, is a very dangerous thing. But this is not an anti-gun book, and it is written in a manner friendly to hunters and gun enthusiasts. The book concludes however that bear spray is usually a better alternative than firearms when facing dangerous bears. It's easier to use, easier to aim, and less likely to leave behind a wounded bear when all is over.
If confronted by a bear, do not approach. If possible, back away slowly. Do not turn and flee, because bears, like humans and many other predators, have an instinctive tendency to chase and pursue fleeing prey.
If you are too close for that, the book advocates a strategy where you let the bear figure out what you are ( a human or group of humans ) and then let it make up its own mind about what it wishes to do ( avoid you unless it has a darn good reason or desire not to ). In other words, speak slowly and firmly so it can hear you but don't use your voice to try and antagonize or scare it. Wave your arms slowly. If you are in a group of four or more, stay together.
This is just a sampling of what the book offers. As stated, it's a small book, easily read, easily digested, thus quite useful for people who wish to know a bit about the subject. And while the book doesn't mention it, we live in an age where it's becoming more common for bears to enter urban and suburban areas, thus making the information in this book of possible use to people who once thought they might never need it.
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