Using Bear Spray In A Conflict With A Mountain Lion

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Montana wildlife managers say the following recommendations are minimum requirements for effective use of bear spray—whether it is being used with charging bears or pouncing, swiping lions.

 

MINIMUM SPRAY DISTANCE Bear spray goes out about 25 feet. If the user sprays while a lion is moving in from a greater distance, it could meet the cloud of active bear spray ingredients. However, a mountain lion is less likely to charge, so it may work its way around the initial orange cloud. Some experts say the sound of the spray coming out of the can and the appearance of the orange cloud of capsaicin may be enough in some cases to deter a mountain lion that is simply curious or confused about what they see. However, a second two- to three- second burst of spray may be needed.

 

MINIMUM DURATION OF SPRAY Wildlife experts recommend a canister that contains six seconds of spray. A burst of two to three seconds will create an initial cloud of orange.   It may be necessary to spray a second burst if the animal retreats and returns, or if the first cloud disperses in the wind.

 

MINIMUM CONTENTS A can of bear spray should contain a minimum of   7.9 ounces of a one to two percent solution of oleoresin capsicum and related oils. The can must be carried in a quickly accessible location such as a hip or chest holster or hand held when walking through an area with a known population.

Other features that impact how the pepper spray works include the weather and the wind’s ability to move and disperse the orange cloud of active ingredients.