As the weather warms both hikers and bears are itching to get outside and enjoy the spring weather so the folks from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks found it an appropriate time to provide a quick tutorial video with tips on how to properly use bear spray.
It’s not enough to simply buy a can of bear spray and carry it around if haven’t rehearsed what to do in the moment of truth. Its is critically important that we are well versed in proper deployment of bear spray when traveling in bear country and prepared to act in a moment’s notice. Here’s a few basic tips:
-Carry bear spray where it is easily accessible
-Practice taking bear spray from its holster and discuss with your group what you would do during a potential encounter.
-Bear spray works at 25-30 feet, if the bear is further away just spray
-Spray until the bear changes behavior
-Spray slightly downward towards the bear’s feet or below their face
BONUS TIPS:
-Bear spray is effective on a variety of mammals including moose and mountain lions
-Never leave bear spray in a hot car, it can explode at temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks:
As spring weather approaches, we’re all anxious to get out and enjoy the weather – people and bears alike.
This time of year, bears are waking up from hibernation and beginning to look for food. It’s time to ensure that people are securing attractants to avoid conflicts with bears and being prepared to encounter bears when they are out recreating.
Before you head out, carry bear spray and be prepared to use it.
Additional bear aware tips:
-Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.
-Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.
Yellowstone National Park Bear Safety Guidelines:
All of Yellowstone is bear country, from the trails in the park’s backcountry to the boardwalks and parking lots around Old Faithful. Your safety cannot be guaranteed, but you can play an active role in protecting yourself and the bears people come here to enjoy.
- Give bears space. Keep at least 100 yards (93 meters) from bears at all times and never approach a bear to take a photo.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it. We recommend each person carry one can of bear spray in a readily accessible location like a quick-draw holster (not stowed away in your backpack).
- Hike in groups and make noise. Since 1970,91% of the people injured by bears in Yellowstone were hiking alone or with only one hiking partner. Only 9% of the people injured by bears were in groups of three or more people. While hiking on a trail, periodically yell “Hey bear!” to alert bears of your presence. Learn more about backcountry safety.
- Respect closures. Observe all closures and restrictions in active bear management areas.
- Never feed bears. Bears that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and will be killed.
- Stay with your stuff. Do not leave packs or bags containing food unattended, even for a few minutes, as bears learn new food sources quickly.
- If a bear approaches or touches your car, honk your horn and drive away. We want to discourage this behavior for the bears’ safety and yours.
- Help us spread the word! Share posters from our “A Bear Doesn’t Care” campaign.
If you’re involved in a conflict with a bear, regardless of how minor, contact us or report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. If cell service is available, dial 911. The lives of other people, and the bear, may depend on it.
