The Armed Citizen® July 10, 2020

by
posted on July 10, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
armed-citizen-main-image.jpg (2)
Armed Citizen® Today

A man and his dog were camping during the long holiday weekend outside Boulder, Colo., when a bear entered their campsite. The bear first tried attacking the man's dog before turning on the man himself, who shot and killed the animal as it lunged toward him.

"The bear got 10 to 15 yards away as it was running to him," said Jason Clay, public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "You cannot shoot a bear just if it is coming after your dog, but it is not believed that is the case with this incident. It sounds like that bear was running right back towards him. It sounds like this guy did everything right, for the most part."

Clay highlighted the problems created by other campers, who often leave food accessible to bears and other animals that wander campsites. He urged campers and hikers who see a bear to attempt to scare it away.

"If you have a bear that comes into your camping area, you need to haze it away at first connection," he said. "The first time you see a bear, set off your car alarm. If you have an airhorn, blow that. Keep bear spray as you go camping."

The parks department highlighted the fact that no charges will be filed against the man, as he acted in self-defense. (ABC7 Denver, Boulder, Colo., 07/06/2020)
  
  
From the Armed Citizen® Archives March 1962

From his living quarters in the rear of his Big Springs, Kans., store, W.C. Long was able to hear the sounds of breaking glass. He armed himself with a 12-ga. shotgun and went to the front of the store, where he found two men.

One shot from the shotgun killed one intruder, who had a long record of convictions, and wounded the other. (AP)

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.