Yukon Man Highlights the Lifesaving Power of Bear Spray After Close Call with Aggressive Grizzly

A Yukon resident recently had a chilling close encounter with one of the territory’s most fearsome predators—a grizzly bear—and credits bear spray, not his firearm, for keeping him safe. Paul Burbidge, a Whitehorse local, is urging others to consider carrying bear spray after his brush with danger, emphasizing that it was his quick thinking and bear safety knowledge that saved him.

Earlier this week, while walking his dog on a small trail and carrying a rifle for possible grouse hunting, Burbidge heard an ominous sound—a huff from a nearby grizzly. “I looked over and saw a grizzly bear stand up about 10 meters away in thick bush,” he recounted. His initial hope that the bear would simply move away quickly turned into a harrowing experience.

Instead of retreating, the bear charged straight toward him.

A Dangerous Encounter in the Wild

Burbidge recalled that the massive animal stopped just a few feet away, stamping the ground in an aggressive display. The bear, clearly agitated, inched closer, forcing Burbidge to push it back with his rifle. “I actually shot it,” he said, noting that his small-caliber .22 rifle was far from ideal for bear defense.

Though the shot briefly startled the grizzly, it didn’t solve the problem. The bear began closing in again, forcing Burbidge to shift his attention from his gun to his bear spray—a moment that would prove pivotal.

“I turned, and it was coming at me again. Not a full charge, but closing the distance. I managed to unholster my bear spray and let it loose. The bear immediately retreated.”

With confidence in the bear spray’s effectiveness, Burbidge felt relieved. “Once I had the bear spray out, I was confident it would end the situation,” he said. “And thank God, it did.”

Bear Spray: A Reliable Defense in Bear Country

Paul Burbidge’s experience underscores the importance of preparation and the right tools in bear country. While many people instinctively think of firearms for protection, experts like Jim Welsh, Yukon’s hunter education officer, strongly advocate for bear spray as the superior option.

Welsh explains that bear spray is not only non-lethal to the animal but also more effective in deterring aggressive bears than firearms. “Stats from the U.S. show that bear spray is more effective than a firearm in most cases, especially in close encounters like the one Paul had.”

Welsh adds that very few people have the confidence and skill to make an accurate, life-saving shot with a firearm in the heat of the moment. “A firearm isn’t the ideal tool in such situations. Most people aren’t carrying it loaded, and making a precise shot in a tense situation is difficult.”

Preparedness is Key: Knowing How to Use Bear Spray

Burbidge’s survival wasn’t just a matter of carrying the right gear—he was ready to use it. Having undergone bear safety training and practiced using bear spray, he felt confident when the time came. “That preparation made a big difference,” he said.

Welsh echoes the sentiment, stressing the importance of not only having bear spray but also knowing how to use it properly. “Bear encounters can escalate quickly. People need to be prepared. I run a bear safety program and teach over 1,000 people each year, and many don’t know how to use bear spray correctly.”

He encourages everyone heading into bear country to practice using bear spray and mentally prepare for how they might react in an encounter.

Staying Safe While Enjoying the Outdoors

Welsh’s final piece of advice is to stay prepared but not afraid. “We live in these beautiful wild places to connect with nature, and people shouldn’t be afraid to enjoy the outdoors. Just be smart, stay prepared, and carry the right tools—like bear spray.”

Paul Burbidge’s experience serves as a stark reminder that, while nature can be unpredictable, being well-equipped and trained can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a casual hiker, carrying and knowing how to use bear spray could save your life.

As always, be safe and be prepared.

See Also:

• Tragic Bear Attack Claims the Life of Teen Hiker in Romania
• Terrifying Encounter: Bear Attacks Teen Inside Arizona Cabin
• Grizzly Encounter: A Cautionary Tale from Grand Teton National Park
• FAQ: Can Bear Spray Be Used on Mountain Lions?
• FAQ: Can Pepper Spray Expire?
• FAQ: Can Bear Spray Kill a Bear?
• FAQ: Can Bear Spray Be Used on Other Animals?