Bear spray is designed to deter bears, not people. In fact, using bear spray on a person can on a person, as if it was a can of pepper spray, can get you in some serious trouble. So testing it on yourself is not recommended. While the spray is designed to wear off after a while, and the pain will stop, it’s strong enough to do some permanent damage to your eyes. This guy decided to test the stuff on himself, and though he claimed it wasn’t all that bad, he’s a bit of an idiot for trying it. DO NOT DO THIS YOURSELF. PLEASE. IT IS A TERRIBLE IDEA.
Let’s address a few things. First of all, “this is what they use in like prisons and stuff.” Not sure what this guy is talking about. Bear spray is not permitted for use on humans, even on prisoners. Pepper spray, sure, but not bear spray. It’s also not what’s used on protestors. This stuff is designed solely for use on bears and other wildlife, with the intention of hurting enough to scare them away while not causing permanent harm. But if used on humans, it can do some serious damage.
Since this guy was able to really wash the stuff off within 30 seconds, the longterm pain was almost certainly reduced quite a bit, but still, he took that stuff to the face. Also keep in mind, any animal won’t have its eyes and mouth tightly shut when sprayed, so it will do more damage in those cases.
Let’s be very clear: DO NOT SPRAY YOURSELF WITH BEAR SPRAY. The stuff this guy was using, FRONTIERSMAN Bear Spray, is as strong as the EPA allows it, with 2.0% Major Capsaicinoids. Meaning it’s the strongest you can use on bears, not on humans. Be smart, don’t be this guy.
Alaska Fish & Game on Bear Spray Safety:
• 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.