Nighttime dog walking in BEAR Country!

[buckhunter]

We do have bear in Assachusetts but not many. They are creeping east. We have more problems with coyotes harassing folks. I alway carry when I'm in the woods. Usually a 22 is fine.

[wrenchman]

Though i would have to say i would carry a gun i have read many reports of pepper spray actually working better then a gun.
Another thing you can do is put a bell on the dog it is what a guy i no does with his hard head setter that has got into a couple scrapes with bears when bird hunting.
I have also read you want pepper spray not mace.