Bear Spray 

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When travelling in wildlife country, bear spray is an essential piece of safety equipment. Usually when a bear charges it is for display, that is, the bears is communicating that it is uncomfortable with what you are doing or your proximity and you need to take the hint and back off. Display charges rarely turn into an attacks, but bear spray, if used properly is 98% effective in averting an attack.

Mountain biking along Coast trails-carry bear spray on a holster-not on your bike in the water bottle cage. Bikers moving at high speeds can potentially surprise bears on paths where sightlines are poor. Bears may be foraging on paths where berry producing shrubs thrive. 

While out for a hike or a trail run- DO NOT USE HEADPHONES and be vigilant by making noise and occasionally calling out, “HEY BEAR,” or loudly clapping you hands. Be especially cautious around water features or when travelling downwind as if our bears can’t smell or hear you they may be surprised by your sudden appearance. 

What is the best type of bear spray to use? 

There a number of bear sprays on the market so make sure to read the label to make sure you are purchasing bear deterrent spray and not personal defense spray. The label should clearly indicate that it is for deterring bears. 

  • Active Ingredients: 1-2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids. 

  • Suggested minimum spray distance is 25 feet. 

  • Spray duration is 6 seconds to allow for multiple charges, to compensate for wind and for reserve. 

How to Use Bear Spray 

Bear spray is not a substitute for following appropriate and preventative safety precautions at all times. 

  • DO NOT spray tents, gear or people with bear spray. 

  • Practice removing the can from your hip holster or lanyard and removing the clip from the can. Always keep your bear spray ready and available-not in your pack or in your bike’s water cage. 

Bear charging from a distance: spray a short 2-3 second burst toward the bear pointing the can slightly downward: use an up and down motion to create an expanding cloud of spray that the bear has to travel through. Spray again if the bear continues to approach. 

Close Encounter: spray in front of the bear until the bear diverts its charge or makes contact. If a black bear makes contact fight back by punching at his/her nose and eyes, kicking and yelling, using your back pack or walking poles to hit out.
In a defensive attack, most often by a mother grizzly, do not fight back, your pack may provide some protection, play dead, and cover your head as much as possible. Do not move or make noise until you are 100% certain the bear has left the area.

Where can I buy Bear Spray on the Sunshine Coast? 

  • Buck Fever Ventures: 747 North Road, Gibsons (604) 886-6700 

  • Canadian Tire: 4380 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt (604) 885-6611 

  • Home Hardware: 5484 Trail Avenue, Sechelt (604) 885-9828 

  • Alpha Adventures: 4330 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Wilson Creek (604) 885-8838 

  • Trail Bay Source for Sports: 5504 Trail Avenue, Sechelt (604) 885-2512 

Bear Savvy Hotline: 250 505-0443

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*Every bear, human and domestic animal is unique and will respond to events in their own way, therefore encounter outcomes may vary. The advice provided on this site is currently in the process of being updated to reflect the latest known information. We are not responsible for property damage, negative outcomes or injury to persons or domestic animals resulting from bear encounters.