Coghlan's Bear Bell with Magnetic Silencer

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The bell should alert your presence to most other trail users. It’s also durable, with a sturdy velcro strap which you can simply hook around your handlebar. Bear spray should be sprayed for about six to nine seconds, ideally out of a canister weight of at least 7.9 ounces. You should spray the canister about twenty-five feet away from the bear, which will give the bear the opportunity to feel the full effects of the spray.

Is it possible that in the earlier study where bears moved away from hikers carrying bells, it was actually because they were making other noises that alerted the bears to their presence? (Image credit: Getty) By understanding these common misconceptions, you can use bear bells as part of a comprehensive bear safety strategy and make more informed decisions while exploring bear country. In the next section, we will discuss best practices for bear safety that go beyond relying solely on bear bells. Best Practices for Bear Safety in Bear Country It’s possible that bells aren’t loud or unfamiliar enough; I might be tuning them out the same way I tune out gurgling water or birds chirping. Supporters point out that in a study in Glacier National Park conducted in 1982, the only people who got charged by bears that year were not wearing bells. Try not to store food in your your car (it can be OK as long as it is out of sight with the windows completely closed – but you should never do this overnight) Yes. Most bells come with some sort of silencer option so you can turn off the jingling when you no longer need it. The silencer is usually a magnet that will hold the rattling bead in place.So what can we gather from all this? There isn’t any conclusive evidence that bells are effective at repelling bears, nor is there any that they really work, yet. The arguments against bear bells are that they can be annoying for other hikers who are out trying to enjoy some peace and solitude on the trail, and perhaps more importantly, they might disturb other wildlife and scare off animals such as birds that you might quite like to see. But they also might reduce your chances of being charged by a bear by 100%. It’s hard to say. This strategy works similarly to using a bear bell, by providing noise on the trail to alert wild animals of your presence. Bear Horns Some campers also use bear whistles to deter bears, although this method can be controversial because whistles are often used to signal distress and can cause false rescue alarms. Bear Canisters The theory behind them is correct. In the woods, sounds made by humans aren’t normal, so animals run away from them. But the wrong noises get lost in the mix with wind, leaves, and streams. Even whistles aren’t 100% effective because they’re mistaken for birds or wounded prey. While bear bells can be effective in certain situations, they also have their limitations. Here are some pros and cons to consider when using bear bells: Pros of Bear Bells

You might be surprised to learn that, amongst the serious biking fraternity, there is quite fierce debate about which bell will work best in different circumstances.Bear bells”are small devices that emit a ringing sound when they are moved, which is intended to warn curious bears of your presence and help avoid an encounter. But do bear bells work? Bear bells have been a popular tool for hikers and campers in bear country for many years, but does the evidence support their effectiveness? Let’s take a look at the research and findings regarding the use of bear bells for bear deterrence. Studies on Bear Bell Effectiveness

Bear bells aren’t a sure way to keep yourself safe when you’re out in the woods. In fact, they may attract the carnivorous predators you’re trying to scare away. And while they’re a common sight at outdoor retailers, they aren’t a reliable means of protection.

Shouting “Hey bear,” talking, and singing all work when hiking. Not only does it help pass the time, these sounds don’t occur in nature. Don’t play dead. Unlike some, these animals will treat you as potential prey. Making yourself seem like you’re not worth the trouble is the best thing to do. Grizzly Bears If the bear follows you: Stop. Keep talking. Keep making yourself look big. The chances are it’s just curious but you should also start preparing yourself for the possibility it may charge. Why You Should Always Carry Bear Spray in Bear Country Mother bears, whenever they feel threatened or a person is too close, they act very aggressively. They make noise, they swat the ground with their paws and they run at people. They want to make you think that they’ll eat you alive, but they almost always stop.”

Before leaving for the woods, learn about bear-related regulations. Many parks require bear canisters, but others do not. The rangers at Grand Teton National Park encourage bear sprays when visiting the parks. If you do see a bear, do not panic. Do not approach it and do not run away – both will trigger the bear’s natural predatory instincts. The constant ringing could become annoying for some users too. It either rings, or it doesn’t. You can’t activate the ringer by pulling a lever. This interesting effect was documented in a 1985 book by Stephen Herrero. Since they don’t frighten bears, they may actually attract bears who are curious about where the jingling noise is coming from. Sound: The jingling sound produced by the bear bells is intended to mimic the sound of prey or other animals moving through the environment. This can trigger the bear’s natural avoidance response as they associate the sound with potential danger.With all that said, I’ll let you choose if you decide to wear a bear bell or not. However, here are some final tips & reminders to stay safe in bear territory: Stay alert and make noise: Bears are more likely to avoid humans if they are aware of their presence. Make noise while hiking by talking, singing, or using bear bells to alert bears to your presence. The constant jingling of the bell as you walk can be super noisy and unpleasant for both you and your hiking crew. While bear bells can provide an additional layer of safety during hiking and camping trips, they should not be solely relied upon. It is important to follow other best practices for bear safety, such as properly storing food, being aware of bear signs and behavior, and knowing how to respond in the event of a bear encounter. Evidence and Research Supporting the Use of Bear Bells