Bear Spray FAQ
Bear Spray FAQ
Bear experts agree that bear spray is much more effective than firearms in a human-bear confrontation. While estimates of bear spray success rates range from 90 to 98%, humans are injured in 50% of bear confrontations where the human uses a firearm*.
In some respects, bear spray is stronger and more effective than pepper spray, although individual products vary. What is this? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates bear spray and restricts the oleoresin capsicum (OC) content to 2%.
Bear spray is a non-lethal bear deterrent. Its active ingredients, Capsaicin and related Capsaicinoids, cause a bear irritation and an inflammatory response in its mouth, nose, eyes, nasal passage, throat, and lungs and also obstructs the bear from being able to inhale and exhale deeply to support its charge.
In short, bear spray success rate is 98% effective at deterring a bear. It’s a strong smelling capsaicin spray, similar to the pepper spray or mace that policemen use. Most bears won’t think twice when their nose and eyes start watering and burning, and will back off.
This is a popular bear spray FAQ. The maximum range of sprays by different manufacturers varies, but they are reported to be effective when sprayed at a charging or aggressive bear from a distance of 1.5 to 3 meters (4 ft 11 in to 9 ft 10 in).
It’s effective at a distance of 12-30 feet. Carry it directly on your person in a holster, not in your pack (not even in an outside mesh pocket—it could get knocked out). Bear spray makes an excellent deterrent about 90 percent of the time.
About 4 years
Bear spray is actually considered a weapon according to the park’s regulations. According to Yosemite’s official website: “the possession, use, or discharge of pepper spray (including bear spray), pellet guns, and BB guns in Yosemite National Park is prohibited.”
Pepper spray is pressurized, but not high-powered. Most pepper sprays have a volume just less than an ounce and can spray up to 10 feet effectively. Bear spray, on the other hand, has more than six times as much spray and is much more pressurized. Also, Its effective distance is about 30 feet, sometimes more.
The average bear spray canister has a shelf life of four years, so you need to replace it after that time.
Recommended methods of carrying bear spray
On a shoulder strap,
On a hipbelt, or.
In a side pocket.
This is a very common Bear Spray FAQ. Most bear experts recommend keeping a canister of bear spray in your tent. Properly used, bear spray has been proven to be more reliable and effective than a firearm for deterring bears. Many bear experts recommend sleeping away from your tent wall.
► KEEP SPRAY away from heat (120°F) and cold (-7°F). In extreme heat, pressure can build until the canister explodes; in extreme cold, pressure may decrease so the canister may not spray properly. ► KEEP IN MIND WHEN TRAVELING that safety regulations prohibit airlines from transporting bear spray.