Bear Spray

If You Carry Bear Spray, Know How to Use it!

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Bear Spray Details

Bear spray is a non-toxic and non-lethal means of deterring aggressive bears. In most cases, it is more effective than attempting to use lethal force, like a gun. Always carry bear spray into the backcountry. When heading out to hike, first remove the zip-tie on the safety clip: you don't want to be fumbling with this in the middle of a bear attack. Bear spray doesn't have to be especially well-aimed to work: you don't have to aim for the head, and can even shoot from the hip. The canister will emit a spray of irritating chemicals in an expanding cloud at an approaching bear. Just don't use it as a crutch for common-sense precautions: bear spray isn't foolproof, and its effectiveness can be greatly reduced by rain or wind. Bear spray isn't bear repellant: there's no point in spraying your clothes or gear with it to try to keep bears away. Use it only in an attack scenario. Canadian Customs will let your bring bear spray into Canada if it is in a container that specifically states it for use on animals.

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