Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Jun 11/01) - Two cabinet ministers said last week it is wise to carry a gun when travelling through the bush this time of year.
The advice came along with condolences to the family of Inuvik native Kyle Harry, who was fatally mauled by a black bear near Yellowknife June 2.
Walking the trails near the Rabbitskin River the weekend before, Jim Antoine came upon a bear.
"We met a black bear about 15 feet ahead of us. We did have a rifle and we asked him to leave and he left.
"We were fortunate that we did not have to use the rifle, but this is what we have to do out there on the land. When you are out there, you always have a rifle in your camp and you are prepared for anything that may happen.
Raised on the land, Antoine said he was taught from childhood that this time of year, when bears first emerge from their dens after a winter of fasting, is particularly dangerous.
Joe Handley said he always takes a rifle when he goes into the bush.
Handley's life almost ended at the age of eight, when he was chased by a black bear. His older brother warded off the bear with two shots from a single shot .22 calibre rifle.
