Bear spray is a highly effective tool for protecting yourself from aggressive bears in the wilderness. However, it’s important to understand how and when to use bear spray to ensure your safety and the safety of the bears. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, it’s essential to be prepared and know what to do in case of a bear encounter.
What is bear spray?
Bear spray is a type of pepper spray that is specifically designed to deter aggressive bears. It contains capsaicin, a natural compound found in peppers. This causes temporary discomfort and impaired vision when sprayed into the eyes of the bear. Bear spray is an effective tool for self-defense in bear country and is recommended by many experts.
It’s important to note that bear spray is not a repellent and should not be used as a substitute for proper bear safety practices such as storing food and trash properly and making noise while hiking to alert bears of your presence.
Which national parks recommend that you carry bear spray when hiking?
Many national parks in bear country recommend that hikers carry bear spray as a precautionary measure. Some examples of national parks that recommend carrying bear spray when hiking include Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Glacier National Park, Denali National Park, and Katmai National Park.
These parks have significant populations of grizzly and/or black bears, and encounters with these animals are not uncommon. It’s always a good idea to check with the specific national park you plan to visit to see if they recommend carrying bear spray and to learn bear safety guidelines.
Where do you get bear spray?
Bear spray can be purchased at many outdoor retailers, sporting goods stores, and online retailers. Some examples of stores that carry bear spray include REI, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and Amazon. You can find it ranging from about $30 to $60 depending on the retailer. It’s important to make sure that you purchase bear spray that is specifically designed for use against bears.
Don’t use your standard, self-defense bottle of pepper spray. Bear spray has a higher concentration of capsaicin and a longer spray range than regular pepper spray.
It’s also important to check with the regulations of the area you plan to visit as some places may have restrictions on the use or possession of bear spray.
Can you rent bear spray?
In some areas, it is possible to rent bear spray instead of purchasing it. This may be a good option if you are only planning to visit bear country for a short period of time and do not want to invest in purchasing bear spray. However, availability and rental fees vary depending on the location and the rental company.
Some outdoor gear rental shops or visitor centers in national parks may offer bear spray rentals, so it’s worth checking with them ahead of time to see if this is an option. A few examples of national parks that may offer bear spray rentals:
- Yellowstone National Park: bear spray rentals are often available at several locations in the park including the visitor centers at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Canyon Village, and Grant Village.
- Grand Teton National Park: bear spray rentals are often available at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, Wyoming.
- Glacier National Park: bear spray rentals are often available at several locations in the park, including the Apgar and St. Mary Visitor Centers and the Many Glacier Hotel.
- Denali National Park: bear spray rentals are often available at the Wilderness Access Center near the park entrance.
- Katmai National Park: bear spray rentals are often available at the Brooks Lodge and the Katmai Air office in King Salmon, Alaska.
Keep in mind that renting bear spray may also come with certain responsibilities and liabilities, so it’s important to follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the rental company.
How to Use Bear Spray
The first step in using bear spray effectively is to understand what it is and how it works. It contains capsaicin, a naturally occurring chemical that is found in hot peppers. It causes a bear’s eyes, nose, and throat to burn making it difficult for the bear to breathe and see. This allows you to create a barrier between yourself and the bear and escape to safety.
When it comes to using bear spray, timing is everything. It is important to hike with the bear spray in your hands or in quick proximity and reach. You can use an open holster, but even a secured strap can cost you an important self-defense opportunity. It is also important for each person in your group to carry his or her own bear spray. We have learned this from experience.
Often. we find that at least one person in our party is hiking several yards ahead of another. In one instance, when our family was hiking a trail in Grand Teton National Park, our daughter, about a yard ahead of her father, was suddenly startled when a mother black bear crossed right in front of her with her two cubs!
She was not the holder of the bear spray, and, fortunately, we did not need it. However, this story could have ended differently. We now take extra precautions to ensure that bear spray is accessible to anyone at any time.
In addition to having the spray in your hands or using an open holster, you must know how to quickly remove the safety and engage the spray. Some visitor centers in bear country will offer demonstrations. We suggest you attend these as well as watch demonstrations on the web. HERE is a link to a great, visual demonstration.
The best time to use bear spray is when a bear is charging at you or is within 30-60 feet of you. If a bear is not acting aggressively, it’s best to slowly back away and try to avoid a confrontation. If you use bear spray too early, you may accidentally agitate the bear and make the situation worse.
When using bear spray, it’s important to aim slightly downwards, towards the bear’s lower legs. Although the objective is to get the spray into the bear’s eyes, bear spray tends to blow upwards. If you’re hiking with a group, make sure everyone is aware of the plan and knows how to use their bear spray.
How NOT to Use Bear Spray
In addition to knowing how to use bear spray, it’s also important to know when not to use it. For example, if you’re camping and a bear approaches your tent, it’s best to stay inside and wait for the bear to leave. Bear spray is not effective on a bear that is already in close proximity to you, and using it in this situation may only agitate the bear and make the situation worse.
Bear spray is a crucial tool for anyone who spends time in bear country. By understanding how and when to use bear spray, you can keep yourself and the bears safe in the wilderness. Make sure to educate yourself on the proper use of bear spray, carry it with you when you hike, and be prepared in case of a bear encounter. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy a safe and rewarding outdoor experience. For tips on how and where to safely observe bears, read THIS post.
