In an effort to encourage more day hikers to carry bear spray, thereby reducing the potential for harm to both humans and bears, Yellowstone Bear Management Biologist Kerry Gunther will be at Bozeman REI on May 25th to give a talk entitled “Bear Attacks: A Cautionary and Instructive Guide.”
He will discuss grizzly bear attacks in Yellowstone over the last 46 years, human behaviors that contribute to attacks, attack prevention, how to respond to attacks when they occur, camping in bear country, and how to use bear spray. In addition to his position as Bear Management Biologist for Yellowstone National Park, Kerry is a member of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. He has worked in grizzly bear and black bear research, monitoring, and conflict management in Yellowstone National Park for 33 years. He received his B.S. in biology and earth science from Northland College in Wisconsin, and his M.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University. His interests include the conservation of bears and finding practical solutions for reducing bear-human conflicts. During his career, Kerry has assisted in the investigations of seven fatal and dozens of non-fatal bear attacks.
REI offers regular classes on staying safe in bear country. Taught by the predator coexistence experts at People and Carnivores on the fourth Wednesday of every month, these classes run from April through October and include a hands-on session with inert bear spray canisters. Kerry’s talk on May 25th is in lieu of the monthly bear talk by P&C. It starts at 6:30pm and is free and open to the public. Registration is suggested for all REI classes and events to ensure seating. Visit rei.com/bozeman/ to register and for further information. •
