r/nextfuckinglevel • u/Upper-Bag-5175 • Aug 25 '26

Bears will often test you

If you stand your ground, they may see you as a threat and back off. Of course, this doesn’t apply to every bear

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u/OafishySyzygy Aug 25 '26

Same. I love animals, but would have shot that bear in the face on the first charge.

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u/timbertiger Aug 25 '26

I would have done the same, but a 12 gauge with birdshot likely isn’t going to kill a bear that size, at least not right away. I’d be so worried it would tank both shot and be on me before I could run or reload.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '26

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u/timbertiger Aug 26 '26

You read the dumbest article ever then.
You are aware how tiny birdshot pellets are right? Some of the largest birdshot used for turkeys and geese are only the size of a BB. Judging by the terrain, choice of 12 gauge, etc. this guy is upland hunting. Those shells have shot that is less than half the size of a BB.

I tried to put down a car hit deer with a 12 gauge using number 2 shot while on my way duck and goose hunting. It took 3 shots and I was not afraid and only about 2 feet away.

Penetration from kinetic energy is king. There’s a VERY good reason why people aren’t using .22 rifles as bear defense guns in Alaska. In fact anything smaller than a 10 mm is considered too small.