You’ve packed a can of bear spray and are heading off to your favorite wildlife-populated backcountry. But somewhere in the back of your head, you’re wondering: If I have to use this stuff, will it really work? For the most part, the answer is yes.
According to Frank van Manen of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, no deterrent, including bear spray, is 100% effective. That said, quantitative data from a report on the efficacy of bear-deterrent spray in Alaska is convincing.
“Red pepper spray stopped bears’ undesirable behavior 92% of the time when used on brown bears, 90% for black bears, and 100% for polar bears. Of all persons carrying sprays, 98% were uninjured by bears in close-range encounters.“
In other words, when the right precautions are taken – and the right product is correctly deployed – bear spray fends off bears the majority of the time.
Why Are Bears So Widely Feared?
American culture has instilled a longstanding fear of bears and other wildlife. Settlers in the 1800s nearly eradicated grizzly bears because they viewed bears as a threat to human settlement and safety. This narrative benefited colonizers as they moved westward to take control of land and resources from Native Americans and indigenous tribes in North America.
In contrast, many native cultures revere bears as spiritual, intelligent, powerful, and healing figures. Their relationship is one of coexistence through respect and ceremony.
Sensationalized media, folklore, and liability-conscious safety warnings still fuel this conditioned fear today. Just remember you’re far more likely to die of a lightning strike (see our lightning safety tutorial) than a bear attack.
When Should I Use Bear Spray?
Bear spray saves bears’ lives. Over 90% of human-bear conflicts result from bears being conditioned to associate food with humans. It can only take one handout for a bear to develop a taste for human food, and they will keep coming back to that spot looking for a snack.
Most food-conditioned bears are eventually put down. As the saying goes, “a fed bear is a dead bear.” It’s sad to know that humans are responsible for over half of grizzly bear deaths. Given the rarity of bear attacks (around 40 per year globally), the much more likely scenario is that you’ll utilize bear spray to deter bears from entering camp and eating your food.
In the end, spraying a bear teaches them to fear humans, which is a good thing. It’s also effective on other mammals like mountain lions, violent dogs, and moose.
Is Bear Spray More Effective Than a Gun?
Depending on where you are, you may see backcountry travelers carrying guns as protection against wildlife. Although they may seem like a more effective tool, studies point to bear spray being more dependable – and much safer for everyone involved. Studies show bear spray is ~90% successful when used to deter bear attacks, versus 76% for long guns and 84% for handguns.
Of course, anyone armed with a gun may be able to stop an aggressive bear, but there’s the possibility of the shooter or someone around them incurring injuries, too. Experts point out that being both quick and accurate is extremely difficult under duress, even for experienced gun users.
Dr. Stephen Herrero, a Canadian bear biologist, reached the same conclusions in his own research. Summarized from a U.S. Fish & Wildlife fact sheet, a person’s chance of being seriously injured when a grizzly charges doubles when bullets are fired compared to bear spray being deployed.
At CleverHiker, we’ve also reached our own conclusions. We know of a case locally where a person accidentally shot and injured their hiking partner when they got between a sow and a cub. We think bear spray would have spared the sow and prevented a gunshot wound, which the partner luckily survived. It is unlikely the cub survived without its mother.
It’s also important to keep in mind that grizzly bears are federally protected in the Lower 48 as a threatened species. It is a violation of the Endangered Species Act to shoot a grizzly bear, except in immediate self-defense. Penalties under the ESA include jail time and a massive fine – and additional penalties may apply for violations of state laws.
The bottom line: Bear spray is more effective, easier to use, and less likely to cause injury to you, your hiking party, and the bear. Plus, you can’t carry firearms in national parks.
How Can I Avoid Bear Encounters?
Bear spray should be considered a last-resort defense. Don’t let carrying bear spray create a false sense of security. The best way to prevent human-bear interactions is to practice standard safety precautions when in bear country.
Most human-bear encounters happen when people surprise bears at close range. In the summer, when the trail is thick with brush or heavily forested, it’s possible for people to accidentally sneak up on bears without them hearing you.
The same goes for hiking near a river, where the rushing water may wash out the sound of humans. In these areas, it’s very important to make a lot of noise to alert the bear to your presence.
Finally, pay attention to wind direction. Bears have an easier time smelling you and getting out of your space if the wind carries your scent toward them. The opposite can happen, too. If you are walking into the wind, they won’t be able to smell you from greater distances. Sometimes bears are stinky and you can smell them, so keep your noses up.
Quick Tips to Prevent Bear Encounters
- Recognize signs of nearby bear activity (bear scat, paw prints, presence of berry bushes, etc).
- Don’t hike alone – join a group whenever possible.
- Make noise. Clapping, singing, and talking loudly will alert the bear of your presence, which is especially helpful in heavily forested areas or near loud rivers.
- Keep all food and scented items (including toiletries, trash, etc.) in a bear canister, bear bag (if allowed), or bear locker (if provided).
- Avoid getting between a sow and cub.
- Never approach a bear (or any wildlife) or let it approach you. Keep your distance. If the animal changes its movements because of you, you’re too close.
- Avoid snacking or taking breaks in confined areas, places with limited visibility, or spots with blind corners/ridges.
What Should I Consider When Buying Bear Spray?
Bear spray comes in an aerosol can designed to blast bursts of atomized capsaicin (an active component of chili pepper) at great distances, but it’s most effective at short range. Capsaicin is a powerful irritant to the eyes, nose, and lungs of mammals – like pepper spray, but stronger. It causes immediate swelling, temporary loss of sight, and severe breathing restriction.
We hike with SABRE Frontiersman MAX bear spray due to its strength, performance, and excellent price point. It’s available with or without a holster (which we like for quick deployment).
TOP CONSIDERATIONS FOR PURCHASING BEAR SPRAY:
- Concentration (strength): Look for a minimum concentration of 0.857% capsaicin. We prefer bottles with a maximum of 2% capsaicinoids.
- Container size: The can should contain at least 7.9 ounces (~224 grams) of spray. That’s usually the size we carry in grizzly country.
- Range: Look for a range of at least 20 feet (~6 meters).
- Duration of spray: A trigger blast should last a minimum of 8 seconds.
- Ingredients: Make sure the spray is designed for bears, not predatory humans (mace/pepper spray). The label should say “bear deterrent spray,” not “personal defense product.”
- Amount: Experts recommend at least one can per four people, but you might want one can per pair or one can per person. We usually carry one can per person so we’re always prepared, even when separated.
- Shelf life: Check the expiration date. A can of bear spray should last at least four years. We’ve sprayed expired cans, and they still worked, but we recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- EPA registration (U.S. only): In the U.S., look for an EPA registration number on the canister. We recommend purchasing from a reputable brand like Counter Assault, Defense Aerosols, Frontiersman, or UDAP. In Canada, bear spray does not have to be certified or tested, so we advise being extra careful about what you buy and from where.
How Do I Deploy Bear Spray?
You’ll hopefully never need to use your bear spray, but it’s best to be prepared if it ever comes to that. We recommend practicing pulling out your bear spray, removing the safety, facing it in the right direction, and briefly deploying it a few times. That way, you won’t be fumbling around if you ever need to use it in in emergency scenario.
STEP-BY-STEP DEPLOYMENT:
- Pull out the bear spray and remove the safety clip.
- Aim it toward the approaching bear, taking into account wind direction and strength.
- Lock your arms and hit the trigger with your thumb.
- Deploy in two- to three-second bursts when the bear is within 30 feet. Bear spray is most effective at close range.
- Aim the spray at the head of the bear or slightly below it.
- Spray again if the bear continues to approach, aiming for the eyes and nose.
- Avoid spraying the entire contents of the can, as you may need the rest later.
- Once the bear stops, step sideways, keeping your eyes on the bear, and get out of the area as quickly as possible.
Where Should I Store Bear Spray?
Bears move with incredible agility and speed, especially when they feel threatened. For that reason, it’s best to secure your bear spray in an easily accessible place. We’ve seen canisters slip out of holsters, flop out of packs, or sneak out of pockets (especially if you take a tumble).
Find a spot that consistently works for you – one that keeps the can close at hand and securely attached. Common storage locations include your hipbelt, shoulder strap, or water bottle pocket. Some people lock their canister with a carabiner, but make sure you know how to unlock it quickly.
More Tips for Using Bear Spray Safely & Effectively
- Bear spray cans are extremely flammable and can explode in rare circumstances. Keep that in mind when transporting and storing your bear spray. For protection and peace of mind, you could pick up a bear canister container.
- You can’t fly with bear spray, so make sure you have a plan for picking it up locally if you are headed on a backcountry trip far from home.
- Make sure the safety lock is securely in place at all times.
- Don’t spray your tent or pack preemptively. In some cases, this has actually been known to attract bears.
- If you ever get spray residue on your gear, clean it with white vinegar. Do not use water, as that will only make the oil spread and/or saturate the fabric.
Final Thoughts
Although many backcountry travelers harbor an instinctive fear of encountering a grizzly bear while hiking, the truth is they generally want nothing to do with you. If you educate yourself in recognizing bear behavior, follow the guidelines for preventing an encounter, properly store your food, and carry bear spray, chances are incredibly high you’ll have a safe and enjoyable trip in the backcountry.
