New Survey Estimates 180,000 Defensive Gun Uses Against Animals Each Year

Man being attacked by four pit bull dogs

 

Video in public domain from wikimedia.org 

 

William English has published a new, comprehensive, detailed survey on firearms ownership and defensive firearms use in the United States. This new academic paper is 75 pages long. It details the care with which the survey was accomplished. In this new survey, questions were included about using firearms in defense against animals. The survey shows 8.4% of defensive firearms use were directed against animals.

Several examples of verbatim responses about defensive firearms use directed against animals are included in Appendix H. These were specifically taken from responses where the respondents were asked:

 “Have you ever been in a situation (including any referenced in earlier responses) in which it would have been useful for defensive purposes to have a firearm with a magazine capacity in excess of 10 rounds? If so, please briefly describe that situation.”

There were 2,386 individuals who answered positively. most of those are reported as giving a description of the situation. The paper quotes 33 responses to illustrate what was reported to them. Of the 33 responses, 7 involved defenses against animals, somewhat higher than mentioned in the overall survey.  Here are a three from the paper:

• Going hunting a cougar came up on me and I fired 15 shots for it to go away

• When a dog with rabies was attacking my livestock and would not go down even after several shots and reloading

• We had an aggressive bear come onto our property and was going after animals. had a Glock 9mm had to use 2 clips

As a researcher and writer who has devoted considerable time to detailing the usefulness of handguns in defense against bears, it was gratifying to see William English include animal defenses as a significant, if not large, portion of the defensive use of firearms. One of the more common defense against animals which this correspondent has observed in media reports is defense against aggressive and often feral dogs. This correspondent has had several close calls with aggressive dogs. On one occasion, a Glock 17 was drawn, but fortunately, was not required to be fired.

Dogs are much more aggressive when acting as a pack.  Attacking animals tend to be very sensitive to how confident the potential "prey" acts. The availability of a firearm increases the confidence of the person who has it, thus decreasing the chances of attack.  The more confident the person with the firearm is in their ability to use it, the less likely they will have to use it.

At the Supreme Court, Justice Anthony Kennedy asked counsel if the right to keep and bear arms:

 “had nothing to do with the concern of the remote settler to defend
himself and his family against hostile Indian tribes and outlaws, wolves
and bears and grizzlies and things like that?”

The survey by William English definitively shows defense against animal attack is not a dead letter. The estimate of 2.2 million defensive uses of firearms per year. This is a conservative number in the survey. 8.4% of those would be about 180 thousand defensive uses against animals in the United States every year. Criminal uses of firearms where the person was victimizes were about 1.8 per thousand since 2008. Defensive use of firearms against animals are about .54 per thousand, or nearly a third as many. Defensive uses of firearms in total are about 6.4 per thousand or 3.5 times as many as successful victimizations.

The stories which reach the headlines are when people are injured or killed.  Bear attacks where people are injured make headlines.  Attacks by rabid skunks, coyotes, foxes or bobcats in rural areas may make local news. The common successful defenses, when no person has been injured, seldom make the news.

Analysis: Cartridge firearms make humans the top level predator on the planet. Nothing else comes close. When animals prey on humans where cartridge firearms are common, the animals are quickly killed. The defensive use of firearms against attacking animals is not controversial. Many people in urban centers are unaware such defenses occur on a regular basis. The well designed and executed survey done by William English goes a long way to provide information to those ignorant of the phenomena.

©2026 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

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TX: San Antonio - Struggle Inside Home, Disarm Attempt, Intruder Shot, Killed

 Around 9:15 p.m., a 40-year-old man was inside his home in the 1000 block of Lamar Street when a man he knew knocked on the door and forced his way inside, according to a preliminary police report.

The intruder pointed a handgun at the 40-year-old man, who tried to take the weapon. The gun went off during the struggle, police said. Another man inside the home, whom police also identified as a suspect, opened fire.

The intruder yelled that he had been shot and ran from the home. Responding officers found him dead with a gunshot wound to the chest.

 

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LA: Jefferson Parish - Road Rage ends with Justified Shooting

The shooting was reported at about 7:30 a.m. She was initially listed in critical condition after being taken to the hospital, but the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office later said she was stable.

Deputies said another woman involved in the shooting was taken into custody and questioned. After speaking with her, investigators determined the shooting was justified as self-defense, and she was released without charges.

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Fatal Glacier Grizzly Attack Report Confirms Hiker Emptied Bear Spray

 

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, at about 9:30 pm, Anthony Polio was attacked by a mature grizzly bear boar on the Mt. Brown Lookout trail in Glacier National Park. Polio had time to draw and empty his 7.9 ounce Bear Guard bear spray before he was killed by the bear. The official report on the incident has been released by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) Board of Review.  The Board of Review consisted of ten people, four from federal agencies, one from Wyoming Game and Fish, and five from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. From the official report, p. 10:

Claw marks on a burned tree and a displaced stone suggested that the bear launched its attack from this point (Photo 4). This is also where the discharged canister of bear spray was located. 

The bear spray can was fully discharged. The empty can weighed 84 g. A new, full can of the same brand with the same expiration date weighed 312 g, a difference of 228g. The advertised quantity marked on the label was 225g.

Fallen trees and poor light would have probably obscured the bear. As the bear attacked, the victim fell or was thrown downhill. His path was littered with personal effects beginning 10 ft below the trail (Figure 2). We believe the bear followed Mr. Pollio downhill, continuing the attack. Spatters of blood increased in frequency and volume down the hill. Mr. Pollio’s ear was found approx. 40 ft downslope. A large pool of blood marked the limit of his descent 93 ft below the trail, (Figure 3).

The initial attack site as determined by the investigation. 

First contact is believed to have been at the trail just before first tree across trail with bark worn off. The trail switches back to the right, uphill, just beyond the second deadfall across the trail with the bark worn off. The scent of bear spray lingered around the area where the trail switches back. 

 

 

The handwritten notes and sketch of the attack scene show some context and the probable routes taken by Polio and the grizzly bear.  The sketch shows an area with the scent of bear spray at the point the trail switches back to the south, going uphill. The top of the sketch is roughly to the West. The sketch shows the distance from claw marks to the point on the trail where the initial contact is believed to have taken place as seven feet.

 

In the sketch, the x-x, y-y, and z-z measurements appear to be from the trail to points below the trail, with x to be the furthest from the trail.

The investigators believe the attack occurred as Polio was coming down the trail, heading back toward the trail head. The investigators place the attack time about 9:30 pm, just at the end of civil twilight. The report lists "last light" as 9:24 pm. The Sunrise/Sunset tables Glacier National Park for May 3, 2026 list Sunset at 8:54:58 and End of Twilight at 9:29:02. pm. In mountainous terrain, atmospheric conditions and lighting from mountainsides and clouds mean those numbers can vary by several minutes. According to the report, the moon would not rise until 11:46 pm on May 3, 2026. Because the sky was mostly clear, the area would not have been completely dark. Light levels were low.

The temperature listed at West Glacier weather station was 58 degrees at 9:12 pm at an elevation of 3202 feet on May 3, 2026. The elevation where the attack occurred was over 2,000 feet higher, at about 5,300. The snow field was  only 800 feet above the attack site. The temperature at the attack site was likely lower than 58 degrees but above freezing. According to research done by Tom Smith on how temperatures affects bear spray, the reach of bear spray starts to be reduced at about 64 degrees F. Wind at West Glacier was light, at about 2 mph gusting to 7 mph. It is unknown what the wind was at the attack site when the bear attacked. As noted in the Tom Smith paper, wind can have a significant effect on bear spray.  We do not know what the temperature of the bear spray was when it was sprayed. The investigators were not able to determine if any bear spray contacted the attacking bear.

 

 

The distance from the claw marks to the trail, at 7 feet downhill, is remarkably similar to the distance at which Brian Murphy shot a grizzly bear which charged at him through bear spray on the same trail. That bear was also charging uphill, in 2014. In 2014, the .357 magnum shot stopped the bear when the bear spray did not. The estimated distance was 7-10 feet.

From 2003 to 2023, there were 211 independent grizzly bears which were killed in defense of human life in the lower 48, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2025. Those fatalities averaged 13 per year, or about .64% of the grizzly bear population per year. Grizzly bear populations can easily increase at 7% per year. Alaska harvests about 6% per year. A harvest of 15% a year may be sustainable. Grizzly bear populations in the lower 48 states continued to increase through the entire period. While not stated, it is reasonable to assume the vast majority of fatalities of grizzly bears in defense of human life occurred with the use of modern firearms. The Fish & Wildlife Service did not differentiate between types of instruments used to kill the grizzly bears in self defense in the cited report.

The IGBC Board of Review Report gives recommendations for bear safety. One of the things they continue to recommend is bear spray. They do not mention firearms or handguns at all. Handguns, when fired, have been shown to be more effective than bear spray, when sprayed. The latest bear spray statistics show about 90% effectiveness when sprayed. The latest handgun statistics show about 98% effectiveness when fired. Anthony Polio is the eleventh person recorded in North America as having been killed by a bear after bear spray was sprayed in defense. No human has been recorded as being killed by a bear in North America where a handgun was present and fired in self defense against a bear.

Analysis:  Anthony Polio had time to recognize a threat, draw and empty his can of bear spray. This is at least five seconds or more. He would have had time to draw and fire multiple shots from a modern handgun carried in a modern holster.  While it can never be known if a modern handgun would have saved him, the numbers show his chance of survival would have been improved.

©2026 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

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FL: Lehigh Acres - Pickaxe Attack Results in Defensive Shooting

After the victim had told Jordan to leave the property, Jordan followed the victim with a pickaxe and shoved it into his back, which caused him to fall to the ground. Jordan then stood over the victim, threatening to strike him, before the victim shot Jordan in self-defense, according to Sheriff Marceno.

Jordan and the victim declined to press charges; however, deputies responded to the property again on Wednesday after another incident between the two. After Wednesday's incident, the victim decided to press charges against Jordan for the Monday incident.

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KS: Wichita - Aggressive Attempt to Enter Home met with Gunfire

The incident happened at around 11:10 p.m. in the 800 block of South Rutan, near Lincoln and Hillside. According to the Wichita Police Department, the suspect was reportedly banging on the door and attempted to enter the residence after being told he was at the wrong house.

The 55-year-old man retrieved a gun, confronted the suspect in the driveway and shot him in the abdomen, police said. The suspect was taken to the hospital in critical condition. 

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FL: Deland - Aggressive Trespasser Shot, Killed

The initial investigation indicates the shooter lives in a camper at the property. The man who was killed had stayed at the property but was no longer allowed to remain there, deputies said.

VSO said on Tuesday night, the man was found asleep in the laundry room of the house, leading to an argument and the initial trespassing call.

The shooter told investigators that the man advanced toward him despite warnings to back away or he would be shot. The shooter then fired several rounds.

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TX: Cedar Hill - Bank Robber Brings Knife to Bank Robbery, is Shot, Killed

Investigators said the suspect allegedly entered the business armed with a knife and demanded money from employees. During the incident, a customer, who was armed with a firearm, fired his weapon, striking the suspect.

Police said the suspect ran from the bank and was found nearby by officers, who immediately began life-saving measures. The suspect, who has not been identified, was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Police said the customer who shot the suspect stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Police haven't said if the customer faces any charges. 

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CA: Pomona - Gunfire at Jewelry Store, Robbery Suspects Flee

At about 3:30 p.m., four individuals wearing ski masks entered the store in the 700 block of Indian Hill Boulevard, Pomona police Lt. Iain Miller said.

In response, the person working inside the store fired a shotgun, prompting the masked individuals to flee.

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AZ: Saint David - Homeowner Shoots, Kills man Near Window

As officers investigated, they learned the homeowner saw a shadow near a window and believed someone was trying to gain entry. The homeowner told deputies that he was armed and fired his weapon, apparently shooting the individual attempting to enter the residence.

Officials said the man killed was a 67-year-old man who had also been living in the Saint David area. 

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IN: Evansville - Homeowner Swing Board at People he wishes to Leave, is Shot in Defense

Police found 34-year-old Carson Helmling with a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police say Helmling owned the home. He had gotten into an argument with two people his brother had allowed to stay there. Officers say Helmling tried to get them to leave and swung a board at them.

Police say based on evidence and statements from witnesses, the shooting was done in self-defense.

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TN : Antioch - Victim Fires Shot after Being Wounded

After reviewing video footage, authorities learned that the victim arrived in the area in a dark SUV, got out and confronted another person. That’s when the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot the victim.

“The victim then appeared to pull a handgun and could have fired a round as well,” stated the MNPD.

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MI: Ann Arbor - Armed Robbery Stopped by Armed Clerk

The preliminary investigation indicates that an adult male entered the business and produced a firearm. During the incident, a clerk also produced a firearm and fired one shot.

 

No one was struck by the gunfire, and no injuries were reported. The suspect fled the business on foot with another adult male who was already inside the business at the time of the incident.

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IL: Chicago - Home Invader Shot

Police said the offender entered a home in the 900 block of North Lavergne Avenue at approximately 3:16 a.m. August 28, 2026. 

Adult female resident confronted the intruder, and a brief physical altercation followed. 

Firearm discharged during the struggle, striking the offender in his left arm. Police did not say who fired the weapon. 

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OK: Tulsa - Gunfight at Business, Assailant Wounded, Man and Wife Killed

Police said a group came to a towing company in the area looking for a vehicle that had been repossessed.

The department said two people went inside to speak with the owner when an altercation began and one of the people searching for the vehicle, later identified as Darius Jones, pulled out a weapon.

Officers said the business owner pulled out a weapon of his own to defend himself and shots were exchanged between the two.

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MO: St. Louis - Gunfight over Gun Deal, 1 Killed, 1 Wounded

The shooting remains under investigation. Preliminary investigation indicates that the two men met up for the sale of a firearm. The 22-year-old then pulled a gun and attempted to rob the 20-year-old, and the two shot each other.

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FL: Leesburg - Intoxicated Woman Attempt to Break into Home, is Shot, Killed

Police said their investigation has been consistent with the shooter's account of what happened. Cuts on Conley's arm were consistent with cuts from reaching through the door glass.

The shooter heard Conley trying to enter and repeatedly told her to leave. He also warned her that he was armed, police said.

Leesburg police said Conley continued attempting to gain entry, at which point he fired a handgun through the door, breaking the window. That's when she reached through the broken window in an attempt to open the door from inside.

The homeowner fired a second time, striking Conley and killing her, police said.

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Virginia State Shooting Exposes the Failed Logic of Gun Control

 

On Saturday, August 15, 2026, at about 1:30 a.m. on the Virginia State University campus, shooting broke out. Five people were wounded, one of them a 20-year-old student at the university. Camron Rarris, 19, was found hours later and was charged with four counts of malicious wounding. The Virginia State student was treated and released with non-life threatening injuries. A 21-year-old man remains in critical condition, according to foxnews.com. Police are seeking others to determine if some people fired back in defense of self and others. A 23-year-old man, a 17-year-old teenager and a 19-year-old woman had non-life threatening injuries. The crimes appear to have had little to do with the school except for the location.

Virginia State University is located about 25 miles south of Richmond and has close to six thousand students. It is an historically black university. The cause of the shooting is not yet known.

Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit with a mandate to reduce school violence, referenced the Virginia State incident and posted this on X:

 
Gun violence is an ever-growing public health epidemic that demands our attention now.

"Gun violence" is a political term designed to associate guns with social problems. The term conflates suicides, murders, justified homicides, and firearm accidents as all part of the problem, and thus, defines the "problem" as "guns". Suicides and homicides have different causes and solutions. The number of guns in a community is not correlated with the number of suicides or homicides. Fatal accidents with guns have been dropping for over a hundred years and are at an all time low, in spite of firearms ownership being at an all time high.

In 2025, and it appears likely in 2026, the murder rate in the USA was and will be at an all time low.  

At the Sandy Hook Promise non-profit website, there are several policies the organization supports which work to help keep children safe in their schools. The have programs to reduce violence in schools. They have programs to aid in preventing suicide. Those programs appear to be helpful and probably are helpful.

Unfortunately, Sandy Hook Promise is actively working to:

 Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund is working to expand background checks on all firearm sales, pass temporary transfer orders, create secure storage laws, limit high-capacity magazines, and institute high-capacity magazine limits.

There is little reason to believe these policies would actually reduce active school shootings. There is no consideration of the costs of such policies or the reasons such policies are becoming more and more difficult to implement.  Instead the site promotes highly controversial statements such as:

Background checks rarely provide false-positive results. 

The FBI makes the claim, but John Lott presents plenty of evidence the claim is not correct, that a large number of false positives are created, and the false positive have large racial biases. There is little, if any evidence more background checks would reduce the murder rate or the number of active mass murders. A bill has passed the House, and is pending before the Senate, to force the FBI to share NICS demographic data with the Congress. Currently, the FBI refuses to do so.

Sandy Hook Promise promotes what they call "Temporary Transfer Orders", which appear to be "red flag" laws designed to allow courts to take people's guns without due process. As the statement at Sandy Hook Promise claims these orders respect due process, it is difficult to see exactly what they are promoting. All states currently have processes to place people under care if a court has evidence they pose a threat to themselves or others. Those processes do not focus on firearms. They focus on the individuals and the potential threat they may pose. It is unclear exactly what Sandy Hook Promise is promoting with this policy.

Sandy Hook Promise also opposes some weapons modifications. Auto sears are already heavily regulated and almost impossible to legally obtain. "Glock switches" are a type of auto sear. Bump Stocks are almost never used in crime. Forced-reset triggers are almost never used in crime. The premise used to oppose these modifications is that more shots fired mean more innocents hurt. The example given is Sandy Hook. None of these devices were used at Sandy Hook. These devices make some incidents less dangerous by making the firearms hard to control and aim, thus reducing casualties.

Analysis: Why does an organization such as Sandy Hook Promise promote such dubious policies?  The leaders may not even be aware there are arguments against such policies. They may not know there are strong legal, moral, and Constitutional reasons to oppose such policies. As the organization gets is name and its foundation from a mass murder at a school, it is very difficult for them to carefully consider such foundational questions.  If they question the premises in support of more gun control, they question the foundation of their reason for existence.

Fortunately, Sandy Hook Promise appears to be spending more energy on positive programs to help students, and less on dubious political issues involving firearms. May they continue to put more resources into productive policies and programs, and less into dubious gun control efforts.

  

©2026 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

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FL: Orange Park - Man Flees Police into House, Homeowner Shoots Fugitive in Leg

Deputies immediately detained Strickland, but Cook said White ran into a home in the nearby neighborhood through a detached garage near Meadow Drive and Grafton Drive.

The homeowner and his wife were inside the home at the time. Cook said the homeowner shot White in the leg.

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GA: Atlanta - Altercation at Adult Store, Guard Shoots Man

Police initially said the shooting followed a fight between people who knew each other. Further investigation found that a security guard at the business fired a gun during the incident, striking the suspect before he fled, according to police.

Officers later learned the suspect had arrived at Northside Hospital in a private vehicle. They found 23-year-old James Jenkins, who was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault.

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