Tactical Atlas Firearm Blog

Black Bear Attack Stopped with .38 Caliber Handgun

A black bear was attacking a goat when the owner came to it aid. The bear was aggressive toward the owner, who shot it after warning shots were not effective.

Two Spears Against Polar Bears: Survival on Svalbard, 1743-1749

Four shipwrecked Russian sailors survived for over six years on an island in the Svalbard archipelago. They used two homemade spears to kill ten polar bears.

How Was the “98% Success Number” for Bear Spray Computed?

It is irresponsible to claim "science" in comparing studies, which use different definitions and math, & to then say bear spray is more effective than firearms. 

Bear Attacks in Japan: 4 Fatalities in 2021 in Hokkaido Prefecture/Island

Japanese laws restricting possession & use of handguns make it nearly impossible for Japanese to possess, let alone carry, handguns for bear defense legally.

Italy: Fatal Attack by Brown Bear, Threat of Expanding Bear Populations Worldwide

Andrea Papi was killed by an aggressive European brown bear (same essential species as the North American brown/grizzly bear). His death is part of the price of expanding wild bear populations worldwide.

Polar Bear Shot & Killed, Family is Safe ~ Austfjordneset, Norway, Feb 3, 2003

At Austfyorneset, in the Svalbard Archipelago, a man protected his family from a foraging polar bear, with a revolver, on February 3, 2003.

Book Review & Bear Defense ~ “Salmon on My Mind”

As I walked up the beach, a bear tore out of the brush and came charging down the beach straight at me. Gravel sprayed from the bear's feet. I'd never shot a bear before in my life...

Two Geologists, Two Dangerous Bears, One Gun, Two Outcomes

Two field geologists in Alaska. Both are women. Both encountered dangerous predatory black bears. One had a gun, one did not.

76% of Documented Handgun Defenses Against Bears Happened Since 2000

The number of documented incidents where people fire handguns in defense against bears increased dramatically after 1960. The numbers remain insignificant compared to bear populations.

Update of Pistol Defenses Against Bears 123 Cases, 98% Effective

In the 2022 update, 20 more incidents have been documented where pistols or handguns have been fired in defense against bears, with a 98% success rate for 123 total incidents.

Lessons From Handgun Defense Failures Against Bears

Of 123 documented cases where handguns were fired in defense against bears, three failures were documented. Here are the three cases, analysis and commentary.

Update of Pistol or Handgun Defenses Against Bears

An update to include eleven cases where pistols were fired in defense against bears. These cases are not included in the statistics because other items were used against the bear in the incident.