Bear spray can provide an excellent non-lethal method of defence, particularly when used with common sense and appropriate conduct in bear country. It should be relied on only as a last resort. The odds are you will never have to rely on it to resolve a human-bear encounter. Bear spray is often carried in the backcountry by biologists, professional guides and hikers/campers.

Although common sense might suggest that guns would provide greater personal protection, research and experience are showing the exact opposite. Research suggests that human-bear encounters that do not involve firearms are less likely to result in injury to a human or bear. Evidence is showing that law enforcement agents and experienced hunters who use firearms to defend themselves suffer injury about 50% of the time, while people defending themselves with bear spray escape injury most of the time and injuries that did occur were less severe (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). Download full report. Canadian bear biologist Dr. Stephen Herrero has reached similar conclusions.

Nothing can replace good sense and proper safety measures. People whose activities may possibly put them in a situation where they may encounter a bear or other wild animal should educate themselves and be aware of the potential for an attack. Carrying animal repellent does not warrant careless or disrespectful behaviour. It does, however, provide an alternative to physical violence or lethal means when a potentially life-threatening situation arises.

The main ingredient in bear spray is a derivative of Capsicum, a red-pepper oil which causes the membranes of the eyes, nose and lungs to swell and the result is a nearly total, yet temporary, loss of sight and severe restriction of breathing. To be effective, you have to get bear spray into the eyes and nose of the bear.

A word of caution. Not all bear sprays are the same. Ensure that you are using a bear deterrent spray, not a personal defence product designed for use on people or dogs. Follow the directions and check the product’s shelf-life. Try to carry at least 2 canisters per group or party. Bear spray is available at most sporting store outlets. Purchase Bear Spray.

Suggested guidelines for bear spray when used as a bear deterrent:

• strength: spray should be .857% capsaicin
• container size: spray should be at least 225 grams or 7.9 ounces of net weight
• type of sprayer: spray should be in a shotgun-cloud/cone pattern
• length of spray: spray should last at least 8 seconds
• minimum range: spray should be delivered at a minimum range of 8m or 26 feet

The effectiveness of bear spray may be affected by the quality of the product, weather conditions (wind or cold temperature) and the type of attack.

Bear spray should not be sprayed on objects such as tents or humans. This type of use has no deterrent effect on bears. In fact, it has been reported that some bears may be attracted to bear spray residues. This does not reduce the effectiveness of bear spray when sprayed directly in the eyes of the bear. However, it would not be wise to set up camp in an area where bear spray had been dispersed on the ground.

According to studies, although no deterrent is 100% effective, bear spray has been used successfully in the vast majority of incidents preventing injury to both the person and animal involved. Proper and responsible use of bear spray and other deterrents or repellents will reduce the number of bears killed in self-defense and reduce human injuries caused by bears.

Bear spray should be carried in conjunction with other bear deterrents ie. flares, bear bangers, cracker shells. Repellents will help reinforce the bear's natural wariness through negative conditioning and help deter the bear from approaching humans in the future, and from becoming destroyed as a 'problem'.

Other Great Links:

For more information on the efficacy of bear spray, or download the Living with Predators Resource Guide: Recreating in Bear, Wolf and Mountain Lion Country.

U.S. Geological Service - Alaska Biological Science Centre

Other Deterrents