http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-04-14-bear-attack_x.htm
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The 350- to 400-pound bear attacked the family at a waterfall near a campground after several adult visitors tried to drive it off the trail, Hicks said.
The bear bit the boy's head, then went after the child's mother after she tried to fend off the attack with rocks and sticks, Hicks said. The animal picked up the woman with its mouth and dragged her off the trail.
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Stinnett, a county fire and rescue chief, said he approached and was about 25 feet away when the bear charged him on all fours. He said he fired at the bear twice with his .380-caliber pistol, scaring it off.
"I know I hit it," Stinnett said. "It reared up on its hind legs. It was as big as you and me."
Authorities said they didn't know whether it was wounded.
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Trying to drive off a crazed animal with sticks. Or even a 380? A nice 1911 on every Mom's hip would put a quick end to rogue bear, child molesters, and all sorts of other ne'er-do-wells. Lest the reader think Gun Fight At The OK Coral, I would refer to Florida's relaxed concealed carry law. Their experience shows that people are very reasonable.
Now envision this poor woman trying to defend her "cubs", she draws her 1911, operates the slide, thumbs the safety, and proceeds to put 9 rounds into said threatening bear. She then, as is taught in most self-defense classes, drops the clip, inserts a new one, and readies the weapon. She stands in her Weaver stance until she is certain that the threat as passed.
I don't care how crazed that bear was. Nine in the center of mass and it's not going anywhere. It's dead.
Now the woman may have a sore wrist, shoulder, or feel badly about the bear. But she and her "cubs" would be safe.
I don't understand people. Yup, guns are a dangerous TOOL. One should treat them with the care accorded any powerful tool like a car, a chainsaw, or a chipper. BUT, they are just that a "tool". Tromping about in the woods, you need the proper tools.
Reinke Faces Life 