Bear Spray 

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When you are travelling in wildlife country bear spray should be considered an essential piece of safety equipment. In the rare event that a bear may be charging toward you – rather than bluff charging – having bear spray at hand is an effective deterrent. 

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 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 the hip holster 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 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 at the front of the bear until it diverts its charge or makes contact. If a black bear makes contact fight back by punching at its nose and eyes, kicking and yelling, using your back pack or walking poles to hit out. If a grizzly attacks do not fight back and leave your pack on for some protection, play dead, and cover your head as much as possible. 

HOW TO PROPERLY USE BEAR SPRAY

Where can I buy Bear Spray on the Sunshine Coast? 

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

  • Home Hardware: 921 Gibsons Way, Gibsons (604) 886-2442 

  • 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