Bear spray is an essential piece of safety equipment when travelling in wildlife country. Used properly, bear spray is 98% effective in averting attacks, however, “Bear spray is not brains in a can, nor does it grant people a license to be foolish in grizzly habitat and ignore common ways to avoid bear encounters. It lets people be more confident, but it is very important that people combine carrying bear spray with continual focus on how to prevent encounters and being bear aware. Bear spray will not keep you from getting into an encounter with a bear. Being bear aware and avoiding encounters with bears in the first place is the best way to stay safe. Bear spray is the last resort.” Chris Servheen
bear spray basics
When purchasing bear spray, make sure to read the label. Look for:
Active Ingredients: Min 1%, but 2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids content is best
Suggested minimum spray distance is 25 feet. The larger the can, the longer the spray distance.
Suggested minimum spray duration 6 seconds, allow for multiple charges, compensate for wind and for reserve. The larger the can, the longer the spray time.
Check the expiry date. The average expiry date on bear spray is three to five years from the date of manufacture. If you are getting less than 4 years, consider shopping elsewhere.
Make sure you are purchasing bear deterrent spray and not personal defence spray. The label should clearly indicate that it is a bear deterrent.
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 camping area. Rather than being a deterrent, it can become an attractant.
DO NOT spray people with bear spray. If bear spray gets in your eyes, do not rub them. Immediately move to fresh air and flush with cool clean water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Wash clothes and equipment with warm soapy water.
Always keep your bear spray easily accessible, on your body, in a holster, belt or large pant pocket - not in your pack or in your bike’s water cage.
Keep the handle turned towards your anticipated hand motion. Practice removing the can and as well as the clip, at the trailhead and occasionally along the trail, until you are really comfortable that you can deploy the bear spray in as little a two seconds……bears can move really fast.
Carry Your Own Spray – No matter how big your group is, everyone should carry their own bear spray.
Bear charging from a distance: spray a short 2-3 second burst toward the bear pointing the can slightly downward. Spray again if the bear continues to approach.
Close Encounter: spray in front of the bear until it diverts its charge or makes contact.
If the bear makes contact in a defensive attack, most often a mother grizzly in protection of cubs, but occasionally a mother black bear, do not fight back, play dead, and cover your head; your pack may provide some protection. Do not move or make noise until you are 100% certain the bear has left the area. In a non-defensive attack, fight back by punching at his/her nose and eyes, kicking and yelling, using your back pack, walking poles, rocks. etc.
DO NOT spray tents, gear or camping area. Rather than being a deterrent, bear spray can become an attractant.
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
Canadian Tire: Powell River Town Centre, 4720 Joyce Ave, Powell River (604) 485-4649
Marine Traders: 4446 Willingdon Ave, Powell River (604) 485-4624
Powell River Outdoors: 4466 Marine Ave, Powell River (604) 485-4868