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When bear encounters do occur
one response has been effective in
significantly reducing the number of
bear attacks with severe outcomes.
The use of bear pepper spray.
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Many can testify to the effectiveness
of bear pepper spray as a bear deterrent,
From bear specialists to outfitters,
guides and hunters.
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But what exactly is bear pepper spray
and what makes for a good choice?
Be certain you are purchasing
bear pepper spray not personal defense
or law enforcement spray.
Bear Pepper Spray is clearly identified
on the label.
All bear pepper sprays are required,
by the Environmental Protection Agency,
to show at least one of the following:
Bear Deterrent
To deter bears from attacking humans.
The label will clearly identify the
proper ingredients, such as
Capsaicin and related capsaicinoid,
derived from olearesin of capsicum.
The active ingredient content
should fall between 1 and 2 percent.
All bear pepper spray must be registered
with the Environmental Protection Agency
and the label will clearly show the following:
EPA registration number,
EPA establishment number,
and state where manufactured.
The canister minimum size requirements
are 225 grams or 7.9 ounces of net weight.
Read the label thoroughly for the following:
Detailed precautions, directions for use,
and storage and disposal instructions
listed on the canister.
When purchasing bear pepper spray,
take into consideration the following:
You may have more than one encounter
with a bear. You may have more than
one bear charging you simultaneously.
You will need sufficient spray
for the hike out.
Small personal sized canisters may be
effective against humans but are not
effective against bears, and the
often emit a stream of liquid
difficult to aim.
If you come across a store selling an
unregistered product as bear pepper spray,
please help by notifying the
Environmental Protection Agency.
A good bear pepper spray will have a
safety clip on the trigger.
This prevents accidental discharge.
Never carry bear pepper spray in your pack.
The time it takes to remove it can
be the difference between being charged
by a bear and being mauled by one.
Two basic holsters allow for quick
and easy access to the spray.
The hip holster,
and the chest strap holster.
It is recommended that each person
should have their own canister,
both for their own protection
and to back up others.
Under no circumstances should you
use the spray as an insecticide.
Do not spray a tent or equipment.
Never spray a person or clothing.
The spray will not repel a bear
from later curiosity or aggression.
Bear pepper spray is only effective
when the aerosol mist is directly
inhaled or sprayed in the bears face.
In terms of human health and safety,
there are a few things to remember:
Asthematics should avoid inhaling the spray.
Contact lenses may be permanently damaged
by exposure. If skin or eyes come into
contact with the spray, flush with
plenty of water. If you inhale the
spray move to an area of fresh air.
The effects of the spray will wear off
after about an hour.
Bear pepper spray should be transported
in the trunk or back of the vehicle
in a sealed bag or canister.
Avoid handling in the car.
Avoid storing in direct sunlight
or in temperatures above 120 degrees F.
Avoid risk of puncturing the canister.
Certain weather and habitat conditions
may effect the use of bear pepper spray.
With wind, there are two concerns,
speed and direction. A strong side-wind
will blow the mist of spray to the side.
A strong head-wind will blow the
spray back at you. Even a mild head-wind
may eventually expose you to spray
if you do not leave the area.
Extreme heat or cold may reduce effectiveness.
Be extra alert in limited-sight areas.
Bear pepper spray is non-lethal to bears
and causes them to experience the following:
eye irritation, choking, coughing, nausea,
reduced breathing, and inflamation of the skin,
all distracting the bear from its charge.
If you are new to bear pepper spray,
practice spraying a couple of times.
Also, it is recommended to test-fire each
new canister to make sure it works properly.
Always test outside, with any wind
at your back. First, flip off the
safety clip. Make sure the nozzle is
aimed away from you. Press the trigger
with a short test burst.
(psssst sound of spray being released)
If you surprise a bear at close range,
especially a grizzly bear and
expecially a bear with cubs,
know that they will usually leave
but be prepared to spray.
There are many times when using bear
pepper spray is not appropriate.
If a bear is in the distance, do not
approach or attempt to spray them.
If a bear is nearby but not being
aggressive or coming towards you,
be prepared to spray, but try
to leave the area first.
If you spot or suspect a bear in the
area, don't spray but be prepared by:
removing the can from your holster,
and removing the safety clip.
When spraying a charging bear, especially
shooting from the holster, you may not
have time to aim. Try to spray early
enough so the bear, if charging, runs
into the widest bear pepper spray cloud.
If a bear begins to charge, spray when
the bear is within 30 to 40 feet.
(psssst - psssst - psssst)
Remember a bear can run up to 35 miles
per hour. When spraying a bear,
aim for the face but slightly downward,
for the spray will billow upwards a bit.
Give a second shot if the first shot
doesn't immediately stop the bears charge.
If the bear continues to charge
empty the can. Leave the area immediately
after shooting the spray.
Bear pepper spray is recommended by
professionals for prevention and
defense agains bear attacks.
The cone of the spray allows for less
precise aim. A bullet that only
wounds a bear produces a dangerous bear.
Just as important, bear pepper spray
is non-lethal. It may save you
and the bear. When you're in bear
country, the best defense is to follow
basic safety techniques. Bear pepper
spray is no substitute for planning.
It won't prevent encounters.
Bear pepper spray is meant as a last
course of action. It is no replacement
for common sense.
Every bear is different and each
encounter is also unique.
Visit your local wildlife agency
to learn more about bears
before entering bear country.
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