Which one of you guys dropped this?

"PotbellyJoe and 42 others" (potbellyjoe)
09/01/2016 at 14:34 • Filed to: shitpost

So for those who don’t know, I am a (terrible) trail runner, cyclist, and human being. Earlier this year, I participated in a 10 mile run in the woods near Mendham, NJ where I had a bear encounter that was in hindsight pretty cool. Whatever.

So I’m reading articles, as bear sightings have become more frequent in our area, about handling running in the woods that may have bears in the area.

It was in one of those articles that I found a truly perfect response to a question and I need to know which one of you guys left it.

http://www.irunfar.com/2016/08/runnin…

AC says:

August 2, 2016 at 3:03 pm

Does anyone have any information about the value, or additional unwanted attention, bear bells might have?

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Adrian says:

August 3, 2016 at 5:07 am

Well, at 7pm, the Bears all dress for dinner. The black bears put their tuxedos and bow ties on, the brown bears tend to be a little more casual as no one is really prepared to address their inappropriate behaviour with them. Then they drink daiquiris and wait for dinner. Dinner is announced by the ringing of a little bell…

So good had to share.

I see bear bells as being as valuable as deer whistles on your car, BTW. Discuss.

DISCUSSION (17)

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
09/01/2016 at 14:42

Why wouldn’t bear bells work? Bears, like most animals, generally move away from loud noises. And it’s not like you’re going 60MPH where they would hear it to late.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
09/01/2016 at 14:42

This is why I don’t go outside much.

But if I did, I’d probably have a can of bear mace, and a S&W Magnum 500 for backup.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
09/01/2016 at 14:45

Mostly because bells aren’t that loud. You’re better off singing, talking or anything of the sort.

The group of guys I tend to run with maintain a conversation the entire time for two reasons, the noise and it lets you know if you’re pushing too hard (you won’t be able to speak in sentences for need of taking breaths.)

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
09/01/2016 at 14:49

I mostly agree with that. I think bear bells probably do help especially if you’re hiking alone, but a group of people talking is for sure going to louder and more frightening to a bear.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Snuze: Needs another Swede
09/01/2016 at 14:49

In NJ having either would be an arrestable offense, unfortunately. Sure you can own, buy and carry guns in NJ, but to get the permits to do so would mean you would have to be chosen on high by God himself, because they simply don’t approve CCWs in this state, especially for handguns.

jariten1781 > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
09/01/2016 at 14:50

Whenever I see bears I just go somewhere else. Works well enough. Black bears are pretty chill creatures.

Never even heard of a bear bell.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > jariten1781
09/01/2016 at 14:52

Yeah, in times past we simply walk slowly back the way we came and black bears do their own thing for a bit and then leave.

It’s more a fear of surprising one than a fear of the bear itself.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
09/01/2016 at 14:54

I know, I was mostly being facetious, at least about the gun part. I’m from Maryland, which has similar views to CCW as NJ.

However I am actually somewhat shocked you couldn’t carry bear mace.

Ash78, voting early and often > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
09/01/2016 at 15:04

I have seen similarly snarky replies to bear bells for years, but they never cease to entertain me. I don't spend a ton of time in bear-infested areas, but the general consensus is bear spray, 9mm, or .45, depending on how close you're willing to get to the bear :D Bears don't really concern me, though, they're usually pretty predictable unless you're right on top of them (or near the cubs). Panthers and mountain lions, OTOH...they will stalk you, and they will ruin your day.

just-a-scratch > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
09/01/2016 at 15:07

I don't know anyone who could conceal a S&W 500. That's an open carry thing for sure.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Snuze: Needs another Swede
09/01/2016 at 15:19

I think mace in all forms is illegal in NJ, or at least the quantity allowed is too small to do anything but make a bear angrier.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > just-a-scratch
09/01/2016 at 15:22

Which would also be an issue in this state, haha.

NJ is rife with things to shoot, just overburdened with convenient legislation that makes it impossible to carry anything that isn’t a set of keys or an italian sub sandwich.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
09/01/2016 at 15:34

Well that sucks. In Maryland I think mace is legal but tasers are illegal. Werid.

I guess the best solution at this point is just learn to run faster. Or run with a buddy who is slower than you. Remember, you don’t have to outrun the bear, just don’t be the slowest person out there.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > just-a-scratch
09/01/2016 at 15:35

Sure you can conceal it, they make a 2" barrel snubby version. Also, you’re going to look awfully silly trail running in a trench coat. HAHA!

just-a-scratch > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
09/01/2016 at 15:36

WA is a "shall issue" state for CPL (i.e. CCW for pistols). So I could try to conceal a .500. It's a giant pain to really do a good job of every day carry, made worse if anyone wanted to carry something that big. My job doesn't allow it anyway.

just-a-scratch > Snuze: Needs another Swede
09/01/2016 at 15:46

A snub nose .357 is bad enough to deal with. A snubby .500? NOPE. NO, NO, NO, FORGET IT NO!

Snuze: Needs another Swede > just-a-scratch
09/02/2016 at 09:10

Ok, .454 Casull. Good compromise?