I can just imagine you :D

I vote for the bear spray.

I would have passed you by Gayle...lol. I'm glad we don't have bears around here. I think I would be nervous all the time. We do have coyotes, but they don't come around too much. I did post a pic of one awhile back.

I know I would scream and run! I don't have to walk the dogs...they are pad trained. I just feel bad for them. They love to go outside.

I will buy the bear spray, and carry it with me.

Maybe the bear situation will get under control and you can take the doggies out for walks again Judy but right now I would just be too scared to if I were you.

Bear spray can shoot pretty far, but it does expire after a couple of years. It's expensive but worth it if you happen to get near a bear, or worse, some cubs! I'm not sure how much other dangerous wildlife you have in your area Judy, but it does come in handy for any other animals as well. We have cougars, wolves, coyotes, etc, which usually keep their distance from humans, but sometimes won't if they feel threatened! But, after spraying the bear spray, you will have to leave the area because it does bring other curious animals around. Hopefully you won't have to spray it at your house! Or, at all!

Bear spray sounds good!! But we here in South Texas would recommend a good 12 gauge shotgun as well to back it up. You can never be too careful with big critters like that!! I'd be terrified being there alone with a bear on the front porch!!!!! Please stay safe!!

Believe me Marilyn, if I knew how to use it, a shotgun would be my first choice!

I would also take out some of those coyotes down the road! But, alas, I am a city girl, and experimenting with a shotgun on a charging bear is not such a good idea!

I'll stick with the bear spray. We only have coyotes and black bears, although there are some bobcats (?) around.