Bear Shock Electric Fence - Effective?

[Coast2Coast09]

Hi there -

I am going on my first solo cross-country tent-camping trip, and the majority of my month will be in bear country.

Several folks have convinced me in my original post that bringing a gun is unnecessary, so I am thinking about other means of providing protection and self-comfort.

I came across these electric fences while perusing the net.

Has anyone ever used these?
Are they effective?
Is it worth the money and hassle for that extra protection while I am alone at primitive/back country sites?

Thanks!

[Mark Sedenquist]

I read the various recommendations blurbs -- I'll ask some of my colleagues who spend a lot of time hiking in bear country what they think. But my initial response is -- I sure wouldn't want to irritate a bear.... I've had several close-up encounters with black bear and a single Grizz and I have mixed emotions about such an enclosure.

Mark

[Coast2Coast09]

I have mixed emotions about it, as well...

I am interested to here what your colleagues think.

Anyone else ever used/seen one of these fences?

[AZBuck]

There are, on average, two fatal bear attacks in all of North America in a year. Frankly, $300 seems like a lot of money to spend to make a bear mad at ME.

AZBuck

[Coast2Coast09]

Thank you AZBuck - you have officially put my anxiety to rest. I did not know the stat was that low - for some reason, the media makes it out to be a more frequent occurrence. My degree is in mathematics, so I have learned that when in doubt, I can always rely on the numbers...

Cheers!

[Mark Sedenquist]

If a bear approaches your camp, act immediately to scare it away. Maintain a safe distance while making as much noise as possible. Throw small stones or pines cones toward the bear, being careful not to strike the bear on the head. If the bear returns, repeat. Do not attempt to retrieve food or gear from a bear until it abandons the items.

From the Yosemite NP site.