SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " acker " 2,087 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
WelcomeHealth marks 40 years, lauds partners with A Toast to Health in Fayetteville
Welcome Health: Northwest Arkansas' Free Health Center backers gathered Aug. 27 at the Fayetteville Public Library as the group marked its 40th anniversary at A Toast to Health, the nonprofit's signature annual fundraising event.
Where is the 'True Lies' cast now? See the stars more than 30 years later
The lies, they are true! More than 30 years later, catch up with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, and the rest of James Cameron’s crackerjack 'True Lies' cast.
Packers Urged to Sign Former Pro Bowl Edge Rusher
The Green Bay Packers‘ edge-rusher room could still use a little more juice. While they wait for Micah Parsons to return from an injury, there are a few well-known veterans who could step up for the time being. Bill Huber of Packers OnSI noted that the room behind Parsons is not strong enough, and they […] The post Packers Urged to Sign Former Pro Bowl Edge Rusher appeared first on HEAVY.
Battle Royale in NA West: Event 1 Event 1 Round 2
Battle your way to Diamond, Elite and Unreal in Combined Ranked in current season to be eligible for the first,second and final respectively Event of the Season! Compete for the opportunity to win a cash prize! Reach Round 2 (top 4000 in EU; top 2000 in NAC; top 800 in OCE, ASIA, ME, BR, NAW) where every player who earns a Victory Royale will earn $100 USD - good luck and have fun!
Liverpool have another Hugo Ekitike and he's special
Liverpool have another exciting attacker who is special and who could be another Hugo Ekitike. It has been a disappointing transfer window for the Reds, which has put a lot of pressure on the Frenchma...
Real Salt Lake sign Canadian defender Luc de Fougerolles
By Jonathan SigalTRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: SigningReal Salt Lake have signed defender Luc de Fougerolles on loan from English Premier League side Fulham FC, the club announced Saturday.The 20-year-old ...
The 10,000-step goal was never based on science: here's the number that actually matters, according to a major new study
You glance at your wrist, see 4,200 steps by mid-afternoon, and feel a pang of guilt because the magic number on your fitness tracker still reads so far away. That five-digit target – 10,000 steps – has become the unofficial finish line of daily wellness, the number we chase on treadmills, lunch-break loops, and weekend...
Packers Insider Reveals Plans for Packers’ New Trade Addition
With the Green Bay Packers adding second-year running back Kaleb Johnson via a trade, there is a serious question about how he will fit into the running back room. Josh Jacobs will be out for the foreseeable future on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, and the pecking order behind him is questionable. Matt Schneidman of The […] The post Packers Insider Reveals Plans for Packers’ New Trade Addition appeared first on HEAVY.
Green Bay Packers receive low defensive ranking from PFF prior to Week 1 of 2026 NFL season
The Green Bay Packers defense has a lot to prove in 2026. Unfortunately, one of those things is that they can play well without All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons. He, of course, is out for at least the first four games of the season as he works his way back from a torn ACL. With [...]
Luciano Spalletti reveals his first thoughts about Juventus’ new signing
Luciano Spalletti has discussed what he expects from Nick Woltemade, including the areas where the German attacker needs to improve after spending time with him on the training pitch.Woltemade made a ...
Vikings Given Clear Kyler Murray Advice Before Packers Game
The Minnesota Vikings will have a new QB1 this season as they open the 2026 NFL season against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 13. Kyler Murray won the QB battle in OTAs and the early part of training camp over J.J. McCarthy. Murray will bring mobility to the Vikings’ offense, which looks to hit […] The post Vikings Given Clear Kyler Murray Advice Before Packers Game appeared first on HEAVY.
NFC North Season Forecast: Green Bay Packers
I continue my series on forecasting the record of each NFC North team this season by focusing this time on the Green Bay Packers. You can find my forecast for the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears by following the links. Green Bay Packers 2025 Season and Offseason Changes The Green Bay Packers had a disappointing […]
Vikings Trade Proposal Turns Heads Ahead of Packers Showdown
Minnesota could ditch the former top-ten pick as Jim Harbaugh emerges as a potential lifeline, offering the struggling quarterback a fresh start with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Referee announced for Packers’ Week 1 matchup vs. Vikings
Green Bay gets one of the most flag-happy refs for their Week 1 opener against a divisional opponent
Packers TE Tucker Kraft Predicted to Have Major 2026 Season
The Green Bay Packers could be preparing for another breakout campaign from Tucker Kraft, with a bold projection placing the young tight end among the NFL’s most productive pass catchers in 2026. After emerging as a major part of Green Bay’s offense, Kraft enters the new season with expectations that extend well beyond his position. […] The post Packers TE Tucker Kraft Predicted to Have Major 2026 Season appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
Texas A&M Gets Encouraging Injury Update Before Opener
Texas A&M enters its 2026 opener with two players lost for the year, but Mike Elko expects linebacker Daymion Sanford to have a shot to play.
Packers GM Shares True Feelings on Dolphins Quarterback
Green Bay South has become a popular nickname for the Miami Dolphins this offseason. That originated after the Dolphins hired Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their new head coach and Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager.Miami did not stop there, as they then signed former Green Bay […] The post Packers GM Shares True Feelings on Dolphins Quarterback appeared first on HEAVY.
Homeland Security Dept. Asks for Inquiries Into Voting Machines
Critics of ballot-marking devices have claimed that hackers could manipulate digital codes on ballots. Election experts say the systems are safe to use.
Former Washington Football Star LB Returning For 12th NFL Season
Former Washington Huskies linebacker Shaq Thompson is set to embark on his 12th season in the NFL.
Rams' Defender Named Surprising X-Factor for 2026 Season
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nate Landman has been pegged as the team's "X-factor" for the 2026 season.
Packers can be optimistic about forcing turnovers in 2026
If the Packers are even average, they should do better at creating turnovers.
Nick Bolton praises the development of defensive rookies since camp
During Thursday's press conference, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton praised the development of defensive rookies since camp | @EdEastonJr
Roma Evaluating a Few Free Agents to Plug Some Holes
Roma didn’t reach all their goals during the summer window, but some help could come from the players currently without a team. The Giallorossi are currently short one attacker and one wing-back.Acc...
Packers ‘Made Mistake’ With Recent QB Move Behind Jordan Love
The Green Bay Packers may have made a meaningful error at quarterback this offseason. The post Packers ‘Made Mistake’ With Recent QB Move Behind Jordan Love appeared first on HEAVY.
Recently released Steelers LB signs with Giants
Former Steelers linebacker signs with New York Giants.
EKU Sports Weekly: Season 1, Episode 3
EKU Sports Weekly previews the Jacksonville State game, Volleyball's Audrey Hudson is mic'd up, and a feature on linebacker Cam Jessee.
Green Bay Packers: NFL insider suggests Marshawn Lloyd may be RB1 even if Josh Jacobs is cleared
The Green Bay Packers are not going to have Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs for the start of the season. While he is not injured, Jacobs has been placed on the commissioner’s exempt list following the news that criminal charges have been filed against him in relation to his arrest back in May for [...]
Patriots’ Captain Announcement Has Fans Questioning One Major Omission
The New England Patriots have their captains for the 2026 season. It didn’t take long for the conversation to shift toward the player who wasn’t among them. New England announced Tuesday that quarterback Drake Maye, tight end Hunter Henry, safety Kevin Byard III, cornerback Marcus Jones, linebacker Robert Spillane and offensive tackle Morgan Moses were […] The post Patriots’ Captain Announcement Has Fans Questioning One Major Omission appeared first on HEAVY.
Dabo Swinney denies claim that Lane Kiffin helped Clemson go after Ole Miss for tampering
Dabo Swinney has denied a claim in an upcoming book that Lane Kiffin helped Clemson call out Ole Miss for alleged tampering of linebacker Luke Ferrelli.
What doctors want patients to know about health wearables
What are wearables? Learn how smartwatches, fitness trackers and smart rings can support health, affect anxiety and help guide talks with your physician.
Vikings Just Added a Familiar Face for Brian Flores: Report
The Minnesota Vikings are getting a new linebacker. Kyle Van Noy signed with the Vikings on Wednesday evening. The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero reported thisThe linebacker was linked to the Vikings earlier in the day. KSTP’s Darren Wolfson reported that the linebacker came in for a visit. There were indications that he may sign with the […] The post Vikings Just Added a Familiar Face for Brian Flores: Report appeared first on HEAVY.
Tracking ex-Packers players signed by other NFL teams
The Packers released 30 players at final cuts. Where are they signing? Tracking the ex-Packers here.
Florida's 6-Foot-1 Enforcer Feels 'Disrespected' Before Season
Fueled by an All-SEC snub, junior linebacker Myles Graham aims to anchor a revitalized Gators defense and silence critics during head coach Jon Sumrall’s high-stakes debut season.
The Best Deals From Best Buy's Early Labor Day Sale 2026
Best Buy's Labor Day Sale has started early and runs through midnight on September 7. You can find deals on Bose headphones, Samsung TVs, gaming monitors, laptops, tablets, streaming devices, and more.
Detroit Lions Lose Promising Rookie to Patriots
Former Detroit Lions rookie linebacker Erick Hunter has signed with the New England Patriots' 53-man active roster after being waived by Detroit during final roster cuts.
Dolphins Acquire Kyle McCord in Trade With Packers
The Miami Dolphins have made another move to reshape their quarterback room, acquiring Kyle McCord from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round draft pick. The trade was announced Sunday as Miami searched for a new backup quarterback behind Malik Willis. The Dolphins had recently traded Quinn Ewers to the Jacksonville Jaguars,…
Google Find Hub will soon help you locate things without a tracker
Google Gemini will make it easier to remember where you safely stashed your passport.
Massachusetts Senate Primary Election 2026 Live Results
See live results from the 2026 Massachusetts Senate primary election as Republican and Democrat votes are counted by candidate and county.
Massachusetts House Primary Election 2026 Live Results
See live results from the 2026 Massachusetts House primary election as Republican and Democrat votes are counted by candidate and county.
Patriots signing veteran LB to practice squad after roster cut
The Patriots are reuniting with veteran linebacker K.J. Britt after cutting him from the main roster.
Packers GM emphatically shoots down Josh Sweat trade rumors
The Packers have not pursued a trade with the Cardinals for veteran edge rusher Josh Sweat, per Packers GM Brian Gutekunst.
Tennessee Titans claim former Georgia Bulldogs DL
The Tennessee Titans added former Green Bay Packers and Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse via waivers
Packers Pegged as Strong Landing Spot for Former Lions QB
The Green Bay Packers are a strong potential destination for either Will Levis or a former Detroit Lions quarterback. The post Packers Pegged as Strong Landing Spot for Former Lions QB appeared first on HEAVY.
Ex-Giants Starter Claimed off Waivers by New England Patriots
Former New York Giants starting linebacker claimed off waivers by New England Patriots. The post Ex-Giants Starter Claimed off Waivers by New England Patriots appeared first on HEAVY.
James Harrison calls out Steelers over shocking fan-favorite release
Pittsburgh Steelers legend James Harrison called out the team over its recent release of fan-favorite linebacker Elandon Roberts.
Microsoft warns of TerminalFix attacks deploying reverse tunnels
A new ClickFix variant dubbed TerminalFix uses fake Cloudflare CAPTCHA prompts on compromised websites to trick victims into running malicious PowerShell commands in Windows Terminal.
Chiefs claim LB Jack Pyburn, DT Bryson Eason
Linebacker Jack Pyburn played at LSU last season and his potential return to the college ranks has been discussed quite a bit recently, but he's now set to be in Kansas City rather than Baton Rouge.
How much is the NFL worth? Inside America’s most valuable sports league
Plus500 reports that the NFL is a $23 billion economy with franchises valued at an average of $7.1 billion, driven by media rights, betting, and merchandise.
THE WEEK OF AUG 31, 2026
- Congress returns to face budget crunch - Science agencies targeted by hackers - NSF and Treasury announce quantum initiatives
Eagles practice squad tracker 2026: Filling out the squad
Here’s our tracker as the Eagles fill out their practice squad for the 2026 season.
Green Bay Packers Kaleb Johnson trade gets strong review From ESPN
The Green Bay Packers have bolstered their backfield by bringing in Kaleb Johnson from the Steelers, sending Pittsburgh a future 2028 draft pick in return. ESPN viewed the transaction favorably, pointing to Green Bay’s decision as a savvy way to strengthen the position before the 2026 season gets underway. “The most likely outcome is still [...]
Who will be the Packers’ third quarterback?
The Packers will eventually want to sign a third quarterback to their practice squad
Denver Broncos practice squad and waiver wire tracker
We are tracking all of the news and rumors related to the Denver Broncos practice squad signings.
Vikings-Packers Week 1 Game Receives Two Key Updates
As the Minnesota Vikings make their final roster decisions on Aug. 30 before the deadline, news emerged about their Week 1 opponent, the Green Bay Packers.On Aug. 30, the NFL announced that they are placing Packers running back Josh Jacobs on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. As a result, Green Bay won’t have their running back […] The post Vikings-Packers Week 1 Game Receives Two Key Updates appeared first on HEAVY.
Packers Get Intriguing Josh Sweat Take Amid 49ers Speculation
As the San Francisco 49ers are making final roster decisions on Aug. 30, they could also be exploring the trade market. One area of concern for the Niners heading into the 2026 NFL season is their pass rush.Nick Bosa has dealt with tendinitis during training camp and the preseason. Moreover, Bosa looks to be the […] The post Packers Get Intriguing Josh Sweat Take Amid 49ers Speculation appeared first on HEAVY.
Denver Broncos waive inside linebacker Taurean York
According to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, the Denver Broncos have waived inside linebacker Taurean York.
6 DAYS TO 2026 KICKOFF: Darien Whitaker Jr.
BracketCat counts down the sixth day until the 2026 kickoff with a profile of Kansas State linebacker Darien Whitaker Jr.
Denver Broncos waived outside linebacker Johnny Walker
According to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, the Denver Broncos have waived outside linebacker Johnny Walker.
Denver Broncos have waived inside linebacker Red Murdock
The Denver Broncos have another surprise in their roster cutdowns. They have waived inside linebacker Red Murdock.
Packers place Micah Parsons on injured reserve to start regular season while recovering from ACL tear
Parsons started training camp on the PUP list after tearing his ACL in December, and has been aiming for an October return.
Denver Broncos have waived outside linebacker Dasa McCullough
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, the Denver Broncos have waived rookie edge rusher Dasan McCullough.
Packers are trading for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson
The Packers have uncertainty at the running back spot, so they are trading for Kaleb Johnson, a Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 third-round draft pick.
Packers trade for RB Kaleb Johnson at cutdown deadline
Kaleb Johnson was the 83rd overall pick in the 2025 draft
Rams practice squad tracker
The Rams will be able to officially sign 16 players to their practice squad starting Monday
Dolphins trade for Packers' preseason standout quarterback
The Dolphins stripped their roster down to the studs, but made a move for a potential QB2. Here are the details.
Seattle Seahawks 2026 practice squad tracker
Once the Seahawks have their 53-man roster, it’s time to build their initial practice squad.
Steelers shockingly release fan-favorite linebacker amid final roster cuts
The Pittsburgh Steelers have parted ways with fan-favorite linebacker Elandon Roberts despite his strong preseason performance.
How the billionaire tax backers plan to combat a cash avalanche
The campaign to enact a billionaire tax in California is hoping to counter their cash disadvantage with a type of voter outreach that has never been attempted at this scale.
Donald Driver named ambassador for statewide health initiative by Network Health
GREEN BAY — Network Health launched a statewide health initiative, From Teeth to Toes, at the Packers Hall of Fame on Thursday, Aug. 20, with Donald Driver as an ambassador, signing on to take the …
Buccaneers Icon Believes Rookie Trotter Could Become Defense’s Best Player
Ronde Barber reveals just how great he and the Bucs organization believe that the second-round rookie linebacker will be.
Sky Sport: Fulham in talks for Matias Soule
Matias Soule could be the next one in line to depart Roma.After Neil El Aynaoui – who is set to join RB Leipzig on loan – the Argentine winger could make way for another attacker.As is well known,...
Chicago Bears 2026 53-Man Roster Transaction Tracker
NFL teams need to be down to 53 players by 5:00 CT on Sunday, August 30, and @wiltfongjr is tracking all the Bears moves here.
Today's NYT Connections Hints (and Answer) for Sunday, August 30, 2026
If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Sunday, August 30, 2026, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories.
Green Bay Packers Cut Former Saints DB Before Roster Deadline
The Green Bay Packers made one of their initial roster moves after finishing the preseason, and it ended one of the shortest stays on their summer roster.The Packers announced Saturday that they had signed veteran tight end Jonnu Smith and released safety Tra Fluellen. KPRC 2 NFL insider Aaron Wilson also noted the corresponding moves […] The post Green Bay Packers Cut Former Saints DB Before Roster Deadline appeared first on HEAVY.
Jordan Love served as offensive playcaller in Packers preseason win
Jordan Love didn't play in the Packers' preseason finale on Friday night but he played a major role in the comeback win from the sideline.
Jordan Love served as offensive playcaller in Packers preseason win
Jordan Love didn't play in the Packers' preseason finale on Friday night but he played a major role in the comeback win from the sideline.
Inbox: It’s a tough business
Now it’s simply wait and see
'The sky's the limit' for Packers in 2026, Bullard says | FOX 11 One on One
FOX 11 Sports Director Ryan Wing sits down with Green Bay Packers safety Javon Bullard for a special training camp edition of FOX 11 One on One.
Forest attacker ends lengthy goalless streak with Anfield strike 🤲
Nottingham Forest made a flying start against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.Oliver Glasner's side put immediate pressure on the Reds and Igor Jesus nearly opened the scoring from close ra...
Packers' Matt LaFleur says Josh Jacobs will be on roster during legal process
Packers coach Matt LaFleur wouldn't say whether running back Josh Jacobs will be available for the Sept. 13 opener, but he expects him to be on roster
Packers Preseason Game 3: Some statistical nuggets vs. the Cardinals
Digging into some early numbers on the Packers thrilling preseason win over the Cardinals
The Seattle Seahawks 2026 roster cuts tracker
Before taking to the field to defend their Lombardi Trophy, the Seahawks will make dozens of roster decisions in the coming days.
Packers highlights vs Cardinals preseason game at Lambeau Field
The Packers are playing the Cardinals in their preseason finale. See photos from the game at Lambeau Field.
James Harrison Blasts Steelers Projected Starter Before Roster Cuts
Former Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison ripped the team's projected starting right tackle Dylan Cook. The post James Harrison Blasts Steelers Projected Starter Before Roster Cuts appeared first on HEAVY.
Owner Michael Bidwill Talks About Future Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Performance Center
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill joins the team's broadcast before their preseason game against the Packers to give an update on the team's performance center being built in Phoenix.
Bandon Spikes Joins WRUF’s Sports Lab Every Monday at 2 p.m.
WRUF is expanding its Monday football coverage with the addition of former Florida Gators and NFL linebacker Brandon Spikes, who will join Kevin Winter in studio for the full hour of Sports Lab at 2 p.m. each week, starting this Monday. “I am proud that on the most important non-gameday on the football calendar, WRUF […]
Packers vs. Cardinals Tonight: How to Watch, Odds & Prediction
The Green Bay Packers will finish their preseason at Lambeau Field on Friday night with a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals that gives Matt LaFleur one final look at the bottom half of his roster before cuts.Green Bay hosts Arizona after splitting its first two preseason games, including a 33-13 win at Denver last week. […] The post Packers vs. Cardinals Tonight: How to Watch, Odds & Prediction appeared first on HEAVY.
‘The Cardinal Countdown: 9 Days Until Kickoff’
ANTONIO WATTS #9 Height: 6’2” Weight: 225lb Position: DB Class: Fifth Year Hometown: Columbus, GA Summary: On any given play you can find Antonio Watts lined up close to the line of scrimmage, back in a more traditional linebacker front, or a bit deeper like a coverage corner. He can play inside, he can play […]
Cleveland Browns 53-man roster cuts tracker
Tracking the Browns trimming the roster to 53 before Sunday’s 6:00 PM deadline.
Rams 2026 roster cut tracker
Tracking the Rams cuts following their final preseason game
Buffalo Bills roster cuts tracker, 2026
The Buffalo Bills must reduce their 91-man roster by a total of 38 players to meet the NFL’s 53-man mandate by August 30.
Which Lions Linebackers Are Rising and Falling After Commanders Win?
The Lions’ linebacker competition is heating up. With one preseason game left, several players are making their case for a roster spot while others are watching their stock fall.
The Literacy Crisis Reaches Dog-Bear Science
“New analysis of more than 300 bear encounters suggests our canine companions often increase odds of conflict and rarely serve as early warning systems many recreationists assume,” reads a subhead in Mountain Journal. The thing is, that study reaches no such conclusion. But you have to read beyond the abstract to understand that. Mountain Journal is not alone. Let’s look at a brief list of takeaways published elsewhere just to establish that none of them seem to know how to read science. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Here’s CBC: “A new peer-reviewed study, The Canine Conundrum: Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country?, dug into conflicts similar to what the video depicts, by analyzing 326 reported human-bear conflicts from 1901 to 2023 involving dogs.” “The study found 54 per cent of conflicts were started by dogs. In the encounters researchers included in the study, five people and 56 dogs were killed, and 170 people were injured.” “Lana Ciarniello, an independent researcher who co-authored the study, said researchers found when a person goes hiking with at least one other person, the odds of a negative bear encounter decrease by 50 per cent.” “However, when a dog is involved, the chances of a negative bear encounter increase because ‘a dog really adds a chaotic factor into the mix of recreation,’ said Ciarniello.” Again, the study finds no data supporting that conclusion. “Hiking with your pet dog may make you feel safer in bear country—but a hiker’s recent encounter and a new study prove that the numbers don’t add up,” writes Backpacker, which is now part of Outside. The numbers don’t add up to support this take. There’s plenty more examples, but all are equally dumb, so I’ll stop there. How did so many people get this so wrong? Three reasons: 1) the study is published behind a paywall, with only the abstract freely available. 2) the methodology sets out to create work relevant to a hyper-specific audience, not the public. And 3) the dataset studied is almost absurdly limited and doesn’t bear (get it?!) comparison to wider information. Let’s work through all three. The Problem is Money I understand the irony, since I’m writing about this on a subscription-model newsletter, but information wants to be free. The study is published by The Wildlife Society and costs $16 to access. Reprinting it is specifically prohibited by the terms of use, so I can only share snippets and my conclusions with you here. Having worked as a journalist for 24 years, I can report with some authority that journalists are both lazy and cheap. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that much of the material you’re seeing written about this study is drawn from the freely-available abstract (above) only, and not a deep dive into its methodology or data. And that’s a problem, because abstracts are where researchers are able to break from their numbers and editorialize their opinions about conclusions. So what’s getting reported isn’t based on numbers, it’s based on an opinion designed for a specific audience, not the general public. Hell yeah ladies, kick that bear’s ass. The Methodology is Designed to Support a Predetermined Conclusion One of the biggest issues with the science that everyone likes to cite about bear spray’s efficacy is that no one understands that study was designed for a specific audience, looking for a specific answer. And since that audience is not the public, and our safety was not the question being asked, its conclusion is rendered irrelevant to our needs. Yes, I’m talking about Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska, which was created by Tom Smith and Stephen Herrero, two of the same scientists who put together this dog-bear conflict analysis. In the spray study, the purpose was to present relevant agencies with the information they needed to issue their field workers with bear spray. As such, incidents where people were unable to access the spray or similarly failed to get it deployed in time were excluded from the results, and only incidents they deemed successful were included. Could a ranger roll down their vehicle’s window and scare a bear away from a dumpster by spraying it? Turns out the answer was yes, and that was good enough for the purposes of that study. The sample size of actual bear attacks—the thing you and I would want bear spray to provide a solution to, was too small to draw conclusions from, and didn’t indicate success in that role. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? has similar limitations. “Insights provided here are intended to help wildlife managers create effective guidelines regarding the presence of domestic dogs in bear habitat,” is explained clearly by the study’s text. To conduct the study, Smith and Herrero went looking for publicly available reports of dog-bear conflicts: “All incidents included in our analysis involved at least one bear, one dog, and one person who was at immediate risk of injury (e.g., not in a protective structure such as a cabin or vehicle), injured, or killed,” explains the report’s methodology. Why is that a problem? “We recognize that data used in this study are biased in that people generally only report adverse interactions with bears, not benign ones. Consequently, we assume that for the most part, people and their dogs pass through bear country without incident.” As was the problem with the bear spray study, people are drawing conclusions here from a study that was never intended to be relevant to the general public. The Smith-Herrero database famously excludes Alaska’s Defense of Life and Property records, which are elsewhere considered the largest and most authoritative source on human-bear conflict. The Dataset is Absurdly Limited A 2009 study conducted by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife estimates that each year there are at least 43,000 documented complaints of human-bear conflict across North America. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? Examined those reports for years ranging from 1901 to 2023, and only managed to find 326 such incidents that met the criteria explained above. Let’s do some quick math, poorly. 43,000 incidents x 122 years = 5,246,000 total incidents of documented human-bear conflict. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their criteria for dog+human+bear+risk or occurrence of injury. That means there’s a 0.006 percent chance that the study’s conclusion—that dogs make bear encounters more dangerous—even gets a chance of occurring. And remember, that’s only in documented conflicts. There’s no way to know how many people across North America run into a bear in any given year without any conflict, but it’s probably safe to assume that the total number is well in excess of 43,000. And, dig deeper into the study and you can find further restrictions that skew its conclusions even more. “While the people involved in these incidents did not report the level of training their dogs had received, it is our assumption that most were untrained companion dogs as opposed to well-trained bear dogs, such as Karelians and livestock guardian breeds that have proven to be significant aids in bear country,” the study’s methodology explains. And that’s a problem, because an ongoing study here in Montana is finding that the simple presence of a Kangal like our youngest dog Teddy can reduce visits to private property from grizzly bears by 87.8 percent. In addition to being a badass, Teddy is also a companion animal. And in my admittedly limited sample size of the three dogs currently present in our living room, she’s no more effective than her mutt brothers. Plenty of people own a dog capable of deterring bears, even if they didn’t set out to own a bear dog. The real purpose of this study appears to be a recommendation that leashes are mandated and recreationists pursue training in their deterrent of choice. But that doesn’t make for sensational headlines. Are There Any Real Takeaways Here? Let’s throw some numbers around, just to try and get our hands around what the larger picture might look like for bears and dogs here. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 42.6 percent of American households own a dog. The Canadian Animal Health Institute says roughly 35 percent of households in Canuckistan own a dog. In an attempt to create the worst possible result for dogs, let’s run with that 35 percent number. And given that outdoorsy and rural people are more likely to both own a dog, and have bear encounters, let’s just make a giant assumption and apply that number to those 43,000 conflicts documented annually. If 35 percent of 43,000 human-bear encounters involve a dog, then we can assume that at least 15,050 dog-bear conflicts are occurring annually in North America. 15,050 x 122 = 1,836,100. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their human, dog, chance or occurrence of injury criteria across 122 years. And only 170 documented human injuries. So, with all the obvious caveats about these numbers in no way describing reality beyond narrow study parameters, what they actually found is that your risk of injury if your dog tangles with a bear is only 0.009 percent. I’ll take those odds next time I’m hiking my dogs in bear country. Top photo: “Superintendent Horace Albright, eating pancakes with bears, at Lake Lodge, Yellowstone National Park.” NPS. A journalist with more than two decades of experience working around the world, Wes Siler is here to cut through the outrage and disinformation to bring you the factual, insightful, actionable reporting you need to understand what’s going on. Upgrading to a paid subscription supports this reporting, and buys personal access to Wes, who will help you save money on gear, plan outdoor adventures, and prepare for real life, and who promises he’s less salty in real life than he sometimes comes across as on the Internet. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe