Like us, many campers are planning an RV trip to Western Canada or to the North Shore and Gaspésie. When we go to wild places, we must be prepared to encounter bears at any time. Carrying and knowing how to use bear repellent properly can help prevent injury if you encounter a bear. Why not take a little 2 minutes to read this article which could save a life.
Types of Bear Deterrent Tools
The two most effective bear repellents are bear spray and noisemakers. Wearing both is the best solution. Know when to use a noisemaker or bear spray.
• Noisemakers are best suited to deter a bear that is at a distance – one that sees you and continues to approach or one that is moving toward your camp or group.
• Before using noisemakers, be sure to always assess the situation. Make sure there are no people around you and that the bear has an obvious escape route. A bear that has been frightened by a noisemaker may not be able to avoid groups of people as it flees the area.
• Remember that the noisemaker may not immediately deter the bear, especially if the bear has previous experience with sound repellents. Additionally, noisemakers may not deter the bear from returning to the area.
• Bear spray is best used when you need to deter a bear at close range.
Bear Spray
• No bear spray supplier can guarantee 100 % success with its product. However, in a study of bear encounters in Alaska, it was found that 98% of those who used bear spray were not harmed by the bear. The remaining 2 %s received only minor injuries that did not require hospitalization.
• Compared to a gun, pepper spray is more effective at interrupting a bear attack and its use reduces the risk that you or the bear will be injured.
• The active ingredient in bear spray is oleoresin capsicum, which irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, causing serious but temporary eye irritation and difficulty breathing.
• You must always be alert, diligent and prepared. Being BearSmart can prevent unwanted encounters from happening in the first place. Bear spray should be your last resort.
Buy bear spray
• Make sure the canister is labeled “to deter bear attacks.”
• The cartridge must weigh at least 225 grams (7.9 ounces).
• Check the cartridge's expiration date and replace it if necessary.
• Be sure to purchase a belt or chest holster to carry your bear spray. It is best to purchase a case that closes at the top so that the cartridge does not slip out.
• After making your purchase, be sure to remove the cable ties that hold the safety clip in place (see image below). If you forget to remove the cable ties, they will prevent you from removing the safety clip during a bear encounter.
Practice using pepper spray
Always read the information on the cartridge label for the specific spray range and duration of your product. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully. Practice and become familiar with your can and case combination.
• Practice reaching for your spray bottle until you can retrieve it quickly. Practicing until you can retrieve your spray without thinking will help you respond effectively during a bear encounter.
• The best option is to practice with an inert cartridge, which has the same spray power but not the hot pepper ingredient.
If you practice with a new cartridge, you will use some of the limited spray you may need during a bear encounter.
• Each pepper spray canister has a limited duration of pepper spray, usually up to eight seconds. Read the label on your cartridge to find out how many seconds of spray yours contains.
• Take an in-person bear spray training class.
Bear Spray Storage
• Keep the cartridge away from objects that could crush or puncture it.
• Never leave the cartridge in direct sunlight or in a place where temperatures can become very hot or very cold, such as in your vehicle.
• When driving, store bear spray in a travel container. Once you arrive, do not keep the pepper spray in your vehicle.
• Temperature variations can damage the canister.
• Bear spray cannot be transported on commercial airlines.
Wear bear spray
• Keep the spray accessible. Carry it in a hip or chest holster, not in your backpack or with your other gear.
• When riding a bike or quad, the best option is to keep bear spray in a chest holster or jersey pocket.
• You can also modify the bear spray canister to fit inside your bike's water bottle holder, or you can install a special bear spray holder. Remember, if you keep your bear spray on your bike or quad, you may not be able to reach it if you become separated from your bike or quad during a bear encounter.
• While you sleep, keep the spray next to your flashlight.
Use bear spray
• Bears are normally wary of people and will leave if they know you are in the area. If the bear sees you and continues to approach, prepare to deter it with your bear spray.
• Bear spray is a proven deterrent, but you need to know how to use it and keep it on your person in a belt or chest holster, not in your backpack or on your bike or ATV.
• Do not run. Defend your territory. Gather your group.
• Prepare to use your bear spray by removing the safety clip.
• Assess the wind direction. Strong winds will affect the distance and direction of your spray. If possible, turn so the wind is at your back.
• Speak in a calm voice.
• Try to leave the area slowly, backtracking until you arrive, without turning your back on the bear.
• Remove the cartridge from the case. Hold the can with both hands.
• Aim low in front of the bear so that the animal rushes into the spray.
• When the bear is within 4 meters (up to 13 feet), fire 1 to 2 second shots in continuous succession, aiming just below the head, or into the nose and mouth of the bear. bear until the bear leaves.
• If it is windy, spray may blow in your direction.
• Be prepared to move out of the bear's path.
• Spray and react. Reevaluate your situation.
• When the attack is interrupted, retreat. Do not run. Do not turn your back on the bear or try to chase it away.
• When the bear leaves, do not follow it. Go in a different direction or leave in the direction you came.
First Aid Treatment for Bear Spray
• Anyone who has been accidentally sprayed should be moved from the contaminated area to fresh air as quickly as possible.
• Rinse exposed skin with cold water and soap. Mild, oil-free soaps such as baby soaps are best.
• Do not rub exposed areas. Dry with a towel.
• To rinse the spray from your eyes, place your head under water and open your eyes every few seconds. Don't rub your eyes. • Remove contact lenses.
• Do not apply lotions or creams to exposed areas.
• If the effects of the spray do not wear off within 30 to 45 minutes, consult a doctor.
Noisemakers
The most effective noisemaker in bear country is you. Speaking or singing loudly can help avoid surprise encounters with wildlife. With enough warning of your approach, wildlife will usually retreat with their young from the area.
• Airhorns: easily transportable in bear country; create a loud, piercing sound of over 120 decibels.
Using an airhorn
• Use noisemakers to scare away bears that are aware of your presence but do not leave the area.
• Be prepared to defend yourself with bear spray in case the noisemaker does not deter the bear.
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