Quote:
Originally Posted by blankall
Bear bells are actually somewhat effective in situations where the bears are minding their own business. They decrease the chances of startling a bear. Once again, different from a predation type scenario.
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This is debatable. There's
research that bears don't notice the sound and likely don't attribute it to humans. One bear biologist suggests it might actually attract curious bears. The best tool to deter bears is your voice. It's annoying and you feel stupid but it's best to shout, sing, or similar.
The only thing you're accomplishing with a bear bell is annoying yourself and fellow hikers.