I bought the cougar knife a few years ago after a man on Vancouver Island was mauled by a cougar. He had a penknife but had trouble getting it open to try and fight off the big cat. He survived but was badly mauled. He recommended that you carry a knife in a sheath that doesn't have to be opened like a penknife. So my sheath is on my belt and the knife just slides out! You can read his story if you google 'cougar attack David Parker'.

I'm not really worried about the bear or the cougars because the bear is probably after apples and there are a LOT of deer around right now which are probably attracting the cougars.

Still, I think carrying the spray and the knife is prudent! I do find myself scanning the forest beside the road and it helps to know that my weapons would give me SOME chance if I was unlucky enough to be attacked.

Sorry if I scared you all!

Wendy

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Methotrexate, Celebrex, Plaquenil