There are various estimates for the number of grizzly bears living in the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Ecosystem. Seventeen known human-caused grizzly bear mortalities and one suspected were recorded in 1995 in the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Ecosystem. Seven of those were females. Issues of hunter safety and protection of grizzly bears are discussed, including the effectiveness of the use of pepper spray to the benefit of both grizzly and human. Dave Moody, of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, urged hunters to carry pepper spray after the first 5 of these 8 grizzly bears were killed by hunters during a two-week period in September, including a female and her 3 offspring killed on September 15.
Pepper spray is a non-lethal means of dealing with grizzly bear encounters.
Pepper spray has not prevented injury in all situations but neither have firearms. Would like to talk to someone who is really qualified and knowledgeable about Grizzly behavior. My hunting partner and I feel very fortunate considering that we had an 18 yard stand-off with a big grizzly. He left his phone number and offered to pay for the call. We talked for about an hour.