JASPER, Alberta – If you need a reminder that bear spray should be within easy reach at all times in bear country, here it is. This guy was mountain biking with a friend in Jasper, Alberta, when he was suddenly and unexpectedly charged by a grizzly bear sow. Fortunately he was able to get away from the animal without it catching him, and his friend was able to pull some bear spray out of his backpack just in case, but things could have gone so much worse.
“We were riding single track just outside of Jasper town-site (9c) when the encounter occurred. I rode to the top of a hill and applied the brakes to wait for Dan and plan my descent. My brakes squealed a bit, then I heard a growl and looked to my right to see a grizzly bear charging at me.
After careening down the hill a bit on my bike, I was able to distance myself from the bear. According to Dan, who was subsequently charged, the sow stopped on the trail where I had been standing.
When Dan arrived on the scene, he created a distraction, which drew the bear to him. He managed to grab the bear spray from his bag in time to brace himself, but the bear stopped approximately 10 meters from him – just outside the spray’s effective range. Frankly, I’m glad we didn’t have to injure the mother in any way.“
As explained by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, bear spray should always be carried in a secure and accessible spot. This means on the body where it can be reached in an instant, not on a bike or in a backpack. Preferably, the canister would be in a secure holster. Any zip ties or locks should be cut away before heading out on the trial, so it’s ready to be used in an instant.
Alaska Department of Fish & Game on Bear Spray
BEAR SPRAY IS A DETERRENT made of red pepper oil (oleoresin of capsaicin). It inflames the eyes and upper respiratory system. If used properly, it can effectively deter an aggressive bear.
TREAT BEAR SPRAY LIKE A FIREARM. Contents are under pressure: Spray comes out at more than 70 mph and could cause permanent eye damage.
DO NOT PRE-SPRAY OBJECTS. Bear spray does not work like an insect repellent. If used this way, it may actually attract a bear because of the residue’s strong odor.
WHEN PURCHASING, look for canisters marked “Bear Spray” or “Bear Deterrent” with an EPA registration, 1-2% capsaicin and capsaicinoids, and a 25-foot (8 m) or more range.
KEEP SPRAY away from heat (120°F) and cold (-7°F). In extreme heat, pressure can build until the canister explodes; in extreme cold, pressure may decrease so the canister may not spray properly.
KEEP IN MIND WHEN TRAVELING that safety regulations prohibit airlines from transporting bear spray. If traveling in small planes or helicopters, be sure to inform the pilot before your departure. The pilot may allow you to store bear spray in a float or outer compartment of the aircraft.
WHEN CAMPING, keep bear spray accessible at night.
IF YOU HAVE A PARTIALLY USED CANISTER of bear spray or if it is beyond its expiration date, dispose of it or use it for training purposes. Do not rely on it as a deterrent. A completely emptied bear spray canister may be discarded as trash or it may be disposed of as hazardous waste. Check with your local waste authority.