The thought of facing a charging grizzly bear is a primal fear for many, but in Wyoming, a unique contraption is turning that nightmare scenario into a valuable training opportunity. With grizzlies emerging from hibernation, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has reintroduced “RoboBear,” a remote-controlled, wheeled platform topped with a fake bear designed to simulate a real attack. This innovative tool highlights the importance of preparation and practice in bear country.
Why RoboBear? Bridging the Gap Between Fantasy and Reality
While many envision themselves bravely fending off a bear, the reality of a high-stress encounter can be vastly different. As Maria Davidson, Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) large carnivore program manager, explains, “It’s difficult to know how you will react in a high-stress situation. So, planning and practice are critical.” SCIF, a non-profit dedicated to wildlife preservation, partners with other organizations on the RoboBear project.
How RoboBear Training Works: A Test of Preparedness
The training, as detailed by Cowboy State Daily, involves groups of participants, each equipped with a canister of inert bear spray. Participants face away from RoboBear, and upon a warning call, they must turn and deploy the spray at the charging “bear.” This seemingly simple task reveals the crucial role of accessibility and quick thinking in a real encounter.
Real-World Lessons from RoboBear: The Importance of Accessibility
Outdoors reporter Mark Heinz, who participated in the training, shared his experience with Cowboy State Daily, recounting his struggle with the Velcro strap on his bear spray holster during the simulated attack. This highlights a key lesson: even having bear spray isn’t enough if you can’t access it quickly.
Expert Advice: Bear Spray Best Practices
Mark Aughton, Game and Fish large carnivore biologist and Bear Wise Wyoming coordinator, emphasizes the importance of readily accessible bear spray. Digging through a backpack while a grizzly charges at 35 mph (56 km/h) is clearly not an option. Aughton recommends keeping bear spray in a readily accessible holster and ensuring everyone in a group carries their own.
RoboBear’s Impact: Promoting Bear Safety Awareness
Brian DeBolt, Wyoming Game and Fish Department bear conflict manager, underscores the effectiveness of bear spray as a deterrent in aggressive encounters. The RoboBear initiative aims to raise awareness and remind those venturing into bear country to be prepared and prioritize safety.
Conclusion: Be Bear Aware, Be Prepared
RoboBear provides a valuable opportunity to practice essential skills for surviving a grizzly encounter. By emphasizing the importance of readily accessible bear spray and realistic training scenarios, this innovative program empowers individuals to be better prepared and stay safe in bear country. Remember, preparation and practice can be the difference between a frightening near-miss and a potential tragedy.
