Wayne--

Considering how some people don't react in the "preferred" way to pepper spray, it is not surprising that a bear that has committed to an attack might not register the pain until it is too late for the person who sprays it.

Years ago, I worked on an inter-agency panel looking at "nonlethal" "less than lethal" "less lethal" alternatives for law enforcement officers. That was when officers still carried .38 Special revolvers. Even in those days, we recognized that a lot of factors enter into the effectiveness of whatever such options might be used by law enforcement. There were not and still are not 100% solutions to stop or deter all of the threats all of the time.

Deadly force decisions are the last resort, but going to that does not always stop an animal or a human in time to prevent harm to the person involved.

Larry

P.S.: If I can locate it, I will post a "scary" picture to share.