Shooting animals in self defense.

[jcabin]

Something I was wondering the other day. Say a bear decides to walk up onto our deck, or breaks through the glass/screen sliding door into the house. At what point is it legal to put the bear down in self defense. I understand you cannot shoot the bear if it is wandering in the yard/woods unless it is directly a threat, ie, chasing down neighbor/relative/friend.

Also as far as coyotes/even rabid or aggressive dogs. If I'm going for a walk or the such and these animals come within a certain radius, and you really do feel theyre going to attack. Or you keep walking away trying to avoid conflict and they continue to engage you. When is it legal to use your firearm in self defense.

[P-11 shooter]

Don't forget about killer rabbits.

[crlovel]

It doesn't matter what it is. If you yell "It's coming right at us!" as loud as you can, you are obligated to shoot the living shit out of it until it is dead. Shots in the back are ok, too.

[Mr_Tom]

Don't forget about killer rabbits.

Is there any other kind?

But seriously, I would try to use zero force before I would shot a bear. I don't want a wounded bear, so I would leave, or have a big gun handy.

tom

[Steve in PA]

Unless you are actually sitting on your deck, shooting a bear because it is on your deck will get you charged by the PGC for shooting the bear.

[D-FENS]

It's headed right for us!

[Dredly]

Unless you are actually sitting on your deck, shooting a bear because it is on your deck will get you charged by the PGC for shooting the bear.

The only way you are going to get away with shooting an animal is if you have the marks on your body to prove that you were being attacked. Short of that if you shoot an animal (outside of legal hunting) you are poaching.

In the example given if an animal breaks into your house call the police. tell them you believe an armed intruder is in your house and you are afraid for your life, should get them there quickly, then let them shoot it if need be.

[ScaredOnce]

I think that if you're in the situation where you "need" to shoot a bear to protect yourself, you'll know it. If you're considering the legality of shooting, you probably shouldn't shoot...

[Steve in PA]

You don't need "marks" to justify shooting. The PGC is very good at determining if you were justified or just crapped your pants.

[ShakeyDad]

You don't need "marks" to justify shooting. The PGC is very good at determining if you were justified or just crapped your pants.

Yeah, if the bear is coming into your house, that sounds like a threat to me......nuke it from space !

You get a nice rug out of the deal, too