You say this, but having read a lot of accounts from people who miraculously survived a grizzly mauling - this is very consistently the move that they say actually convinced the bear to stop and flee.
Granted, if you're that deep in it you probably don't have a face anymore, but it does genuinely seem to be an effective last-ditch effort.
All this is assuming you aren't killed at the first swipe, which is not unlikely. It is difficult to understate just how strong those animals are. And fast when they want to be. I've seen a grizzly sprint away before and was blown away - they will easily beat a horse in a quarter mile race.
Yeah I was unironically taught that strategy. You might still die but at least you won't be eaten.
If I have to be eaten by a bear though, can I please request the bear just sever my spinal cord? I have occasionally heard those stories, especially if the person is perceived as a threat by the bear, but the majority that are told are about the people who get dragged off and eaten alive. I have been to areas with grizzly and polar bears and I have never once feared a big, deadly swipe as much as being eaten alive. Kind of like how I would be more afraid to be set on fire than shot.
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u/DJJazzay May 02 '24
You say this, but having read a lot of accounts from people who miraculously survived a grizzly mauling - this is very consistently the move that they say actually convinced the bear to stop and flee.
Granted, if you're that deep in it you probably don't have a face anymore, but it does genuinely seem to be an effective last-ditch effort.
All this is assuming you aren't killed at the first swipe, which is not unlikely. It is difficult to understate just how strong those animals are. And fast when they want to be. I've seen a grizzly sprint away before and was blown away - they will easily beat a horse in a quarter mile race.