What is Bear Spray and How Can It Keep You and Your Family Safe

Enjoying warm summer days vacationing with family or friends is likely to include some time in nature away from the concrete jungle. When you head out to enjoy some clean air and adventure in the wilderness, take the Boy Scout motto to heart and “Be Prepared”. You may remember to pack lots of water, snacks, and clothes for unpredictable weather, but are you prepared for a bear encounter? You are entering their natural habitat and this is their season to focus on foraging for food as they prepare for winter. Bear awareness, deterrents and the best bear spray should be a routine part of your wilderness outing, especially early spring through fall.

How Bear Spray Works

Bear spray contains the oil of the hot pepper, Capsaicin, mixed with a propellant and contained under pressure in an aerosol can that is easy to carry and use. Most canisters will deliver about 6-9 seconds of continuous spray and the pepper ingredient causes an immediate and involuntary shutdown of the animal’s functions and preventing or minimizing an attack. Bear Spray is non-toxic and does not cause any lasting harm to the animal or humans.

**[It is safer and more effective for people, while ultimately protecting bear populations, than firearm use.][3]**

To learn more about bear spray, click here

• Bear Safety