Posted by Contributing Editor, Dr. Jordan Schaul, a member of the IUCN Bear Specialist Group and an ex-officio council member of the International Association for Bear Research and Management, briefly discusses his experience with bear spray.
In the wake of a fatal grizzly bear encounter near Yellowstone National Park, officials have issued a couple of reminders to recreational campers. One suggestion–carry bear spray. And remember to carry it in a holster!
These commercially available lacrymatory agents are derived from chili peppers. The active ingredient–oleoresin capiscum is used as both a defense spray and as a topical pain reliever. The EPA registered bear deterrents are nothing more than pepper spray, but try telling that to the bear or me for that matter.
Lachrymators stimulate corneal nerves which induce tearing and even temporary blindness. And they are quite suitable irritants of any tissues lined with mucus membranes.
At the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, we carry Counter Assault– CA-18H-Bear Deterrent (10.2 oz with Belt Holster) when we enter enclosures with bears or work with them through protected contact. At nearly $60 a cannister it is expensive stuff, but with a range of 25 feet, the manufacturers suggest it is effective for ”sudden close encounter defensive charges (from 15-25 feet), full defensive charges (from more than 50 feet away), and gradual continuous approaches.”
I find that few people that purchase bear spray have much insight into distinguishing among types of aggressive behaviors in bears. What’s important is that they selected a non-lethal deterent. Whether it is a provoked charge or an attack with predatory intent, the bear spray will likely ward off a bear.
Make sure you purchase a cannister with a holster. I have been sprayed, albeit accidentally, twice in my career because I was not carrying the spray can in the holster.
A young bear I was training, inadvertently punctured a cannister and it discharged. The grizzly headed straight to his pool and I went to clean off. The noxious irritant works. If nothing else it surprises both intended and unintended targets.
