ABOUT BEAR SPRAY E- Sources: wildsmart.ca, MEC.ca, ParksCanada.gc.ca
Bear spray contains one per cent oleoresin capsicum derived from cayenne pepper and is sold at outdoor suppliers.
Choose a bear spray with a minimum weight of 225 grams, a spray range of at least five meters and a clearly visible expiry date (canisters last about three years).
Read the manufacturer's instructions and familiarize yourself with using it.
Never spray bear pepper spray on camping gear, tents and backpacks to repel bears. Once the volatile components have broken down, pepper residue will actually attract bears.
Carry the spray in a holster within easy reach (not in your pack) in case of a surprise encounter while hiking, sleeping in your tent, cooking and generally out and about in bear country. Keep the safety clip on at all times, removing only if in an encounter with a bear.
Once sprayed, bear spray forms a big cloud that causes intense discomfort, burning and swelling of the eyes, nose and lungs, giving you time to leave the area. It doesn't cause permanent damage to bears or humans.
Recent reports show bear pepper spray to be more effective than a firearm in diverting or stopping a charging bear.
But bear spray is your last defense. The best defense is to avoid an encounter by hiking in a tight group of at least four people, making lots of noise and being alert for signs of bears (diggings, scat, tracks, overturned rocks and logs). Leash dogs at all times. Keep campsites clean and odor free; cook and store food and toiletries at least 50 meters downwind from your tent.
In most cases, bears will do their best to avoid people. Most encounters happen because bears are surprised by people, or are defending their cubs.
Watch also this youtube video on how to use a bear spray!
