![]() ![]() I'm a little surprised it's illegal in the NPs in Cali but not in the NFs. I expect it's practically zero.Ī friend and I are going backpacking this weekend and she talked to a ranger in Lone Pine who apparently also doesn't know where it is and is not legal - she told my friend it was illegal in Cali and I was just like that can't be right. ![]() I don't know what the risk to backpackers in the backcountry from packs of dogs is, but I'll try to find out. But that's in town or on the farm, not in the backcountry. Dogs are 30 times more likely to kill you than are bears. Now, you carry bear spray to fight off dog packs, not bears. "The risk is minimal, but it could happen" is an argument for wearing a meteor shield on your head while backpacking. The correct decision at the trail head, therefore, is to not carry bear spray. At that time the risk from bears is practically zero, so carrying bear spray cannot significantly decrease that risk. In retrospect that person might have used the bear spray to prevent serious injury or death, but backpackers don't make the decision to carry or not carry bear spray retrospectively rather, we make that decision prospectively, before entering the trail head. ![]() I gave good advice, and the unfortunate backpacker was wise to not carry bear spray - despite the bad outcome. Have I done a terrible thing? Would I be responsible for that serious injury or death? Let's say somebody takes my advice and is subsequently seriously injured or killed by a bear. I advise all backpackers to not carry bear spray. You're right that it's possible a backpacker could be advised to not carry bear spray, take that advice, and subsequently be seriously injured or killed by a bear. Has anyone ever heard of a person being criminally charged for using bear spray on a bear? Or against a different attacking animal? If there can be criminal charges for its use, where can I find an official source stating this law? I don't think it exists. The EPA has approved bear spray only for use on bears so I assume that is where they are getting that idea from. ![]() Using it on any other animal, such as coyotes, is not legal. I was told something slightly different: that bear spray is only legal to use on bears. Today I spoke with an REI manager to complain about their employees spreading misinformation and trying to talk me out of a purchase. There are no mentions of criminal penalties or warnings about its use by that department. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife also recommend carrying bear spray. It's perfectly legal to carry in National Forests and is encouraged on the websites for the Angeles National Forest and Los Padres National Forest. Bear spray is forbidden in Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, but that's it. Some of what I was told was simply not true. I was of course stunned by this since I've never heard of any of these restrictions. One REI employee even said it is a felony to use on an animal. And if one is caught using bear spray it will result in a fine. I was also told it's illegal to bring it into a National Park as well as National Forests. That bear spray is only legal in Montana and only legal to use on brown bears, never black bears. Firstly I was told that it is illegal in California. Yesterday I went to an REI to purchase a new cannister and was told several things about the legality of bear spray and its use. I've carried bear spray on my hikes for around 20 years. Sandstone Peak/Tripeaks via Mowka Mishe Loop 4/14/12 Three T's Via Icehouse Canyon to Baldy Notch 6/19/12ĭevils Punchbowl to Devil's Chair 5/28/12 San Jacinto Peak Via Marion Mountain Trail/Camp at little round valley 10/6/12 Saddleback Mountain (Modjeska Peak) 12/21/12 Mishe Mokwa Backbone to Inspiration Point (San Antonio Mountains) 12/29/12 Harding Canyon & Waterfall (Cleveland National Forest) 12/31/12 Hopefully this will unite local hikers and allow people to meet and explore the beautiful landscape we inhabit.Ģ/17/13 Echo Mountain and Inspiration Pointġ/19/13 Santa Anita Canyon / Upper Winter Creek / Mt. This is a place for fellow hikers and backpackers in Southern California to meet up, discuss/plan trips, post gear reviews, trip reviews, and etc. ![]()
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