# Dealing with a Problem Bear **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 8, 2026, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-a-problem-bear/1030757 "2026-06-08T20:54:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 17
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2026, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-a-problem-bear/1030757/17 "2026-06-08T22:46:17Z")
We actually had a very extensive thread on firearms as defense against bears for those who want to research that option: > [@Carrying firearms for defense against an aggressive bear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carrying-firearms-for-defense-against-an-aggressive-bear/1000420): > > In this [post](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-3/986588/4874) over in this [thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-3/986588), @Broomstick said the following: I have guns, too, but would not use them in self-defense against a bear. The vast majority of firearms are simply not that effective against an attacking or charging bear. The way to safely take on a bear with a firearm is at a distance with a high-powered rifle. A bear attack, on the other hand, is by definition at a much closer range such that a rifle is difficult or impossible to use. And the vast majority of handguns are fa… I personally consider it a last resort with the potential to aggravate the situation, especially when considering pistols. Since the OP seems to be trying to avoid harming the bear in question though - lots of steps in the middle first, but no argument, it’s a real concern. --- _[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-a-problem-bear/1030757)._