Jack Hanna Uses Pepper Spray to Avert Bear Attack

By: Mary-Jayne McKay
Topics: News

Wildlife expert Jack Hanna is seen in a TV interview last year. (AP Graphics Bank)

(CBS/AP) Jack Hanna isn't making idle claims when he tells hikers to carry pepper spray with them to ward off a grizzly bear attack.

The TV host and zookeeper says he took his own advice and used pepper spray on grizzlies headed toward him and his family last weekend.

The Columbus Zoo keeper and frequent David Letterman guest says he was with his wife and other hikers in Montana's Glacier National Park on Saturday when they saw the mother bear and two large cubs coming toward them. Hanna and the others moved slowly back up the trail to a clearing and stood still while the mother and one cub passed by.

Hanna says the other cub, weighing about 125 pounds, charged toward the hikers. Hanna said he sprayed the bear in the face, and it fled.

Hanna had recently filmed a message for the National Park Service encouraging hikers to carry pepper spray.

The 63-year-old Hanna has appeared on a host of TV shows, including "Good Morning America" and Larry King Live." He hosted his own syndicated show "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures."

3 Comments Have Your Say
Email Story Send to a Friend
Share This Tell Your Friends
Tweet This Tweet This
More Share It

Add a Comment


by miensa July 31, 2010 6:07 PM EDT: I want everyone to be aware that neither mace nor pepper spray was used to deter this bear.
The proper tool in this was BEAR SPRAY. NOT pepper spray, NOT mace.
Neither pepper spray nor mace will have ANY affect on a charging bear. ONLY BEAR SPRAY marked as BEAR SPRAY and that has the EPA seal on it.
You know when "experts" start using the wrong words a lot of damage could be done. Now we have people responding to some of these articles on Hanna and holding on to every word he says as truth and then making statements about mace or personal defense spray. GREAT! A bunch of hikers, hunters, cyclists, tourists and so on are going to go out and purchase pepper spray. Thanks Jack. C'mon! Please, be responsible about this. Think before you speak!
And yes, I work specifically with/for Grizzlies, Jack does not. I know more in this case. Sorry.; Reply to this comment


by Archie_Clement July 27, 2010 12:17 PM EDT: With that rugged looking hat he could only be a wildlife expert and TV star. And we are all happy that the cub was turned away with pepper spray. Momma bear however, would require a .44 magnum or better.; Reply to this comment


by Samuel-HiLL July 27, 2010 10:10 AM EDT: Montana Department of Fish and Game is alerting hikers and hunters to take extra precautions due to an increase in bear activity. They advise that outdoorsmen wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears, and suggest carrying pepper spray in case of an encounter.

They also suggest to be on the lookout for fresh signs of bear activity, and should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear droppings. Black bear droppings are smaller and consists mostly of berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear droppings contain little bells, and smell like pepper.

;p; Reply to this comment