The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee recommends the use of bear spray and reminds hunters and others that despite its proven effectiveness, it is not a substitute for using proper bear safety techniques in the first place. The IGBC provides these guidelines:
When to use bear pepper spray:
Bear pepper spray should be used as a deterrent only in an aggressive or attacking confrontation with a bear.
Bear pepper spray is only effective when used as an airborne deterrent sprayed as a cloud at an aggressive animal. It should not be applied to people, tents, packs, other equipment or the surrounding area as a repellent.
How to use bear pepper spray:
Each person should carry a can of bear pepper spray when working or recreating in bear habitat. Spray should be carried in a quick, accessible fashion such as in a hip or chest holster.
In your tent, keep bear pepper spray readily available next to your flashlight. You should also keep a can available in your cooking area. Spray should be tested once a year.
Do not test spray in or near camping area. Be sure to check the expiration date on your can of bear spray.
Remove safety clip Aim slightly down and towards the approaching bear. If necessary, adjust for cross wind. Spray a brief shot when the bear is about 50 feet away. Spray again if the bear continues to approach. Once the animal has retreated or is busy cleaning itself, leave the area as quickly as possible (don’t run) or go to an immediate area of safety, such as a car, tree, or building. Do not chase or pursue the animal. Selecting a bear pepper spray: Purchase products that are clearly labeled "for deterring attacks by bears," and that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The
EPA Bear Deterrent web site lists registered bear pepper spray manufacturers.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ wildlife managers say the minimum requirements for the effective use of bear spray include:
A minimum spray distance of 25 feet. A minimum six seconds of spray. A burst of two to three seconds will create a cloud of orange. It may be necessary to spray a second burst if the bear continues, or if the first cloud disperses in the wind. A minimum of 7.9 ounces of a one to two percent solution of oleoresin capsicum and related oils per can. Other features that impact how the pepper spray works include the weather and the wind’s force and direction. The can must be carried in a quickly accessible location such as a hip or chest holster or hand held as FWP bear managers do when walking through an area known to have bears.
No deterrent is 100% effective, but compared to all others, including firearms, bear spray has demonstrated the most success in fending off threatening and attacking bears and preventing injury to the person and animal involved, said the IGBC.
The proper use of bear spray will reduce the number of grizzly bears killed in self-defense, reduce human injuries caused by bears, and help promote the recovery and survival of the grizzly bear.
For more on living with bears and being bear aware, see the FWP home page at
fwp.mt.gov and click on Be Bear Aware, or go to
www.BeBearAware.org.
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