If you’re planning on spending quality time amidst nature in the Canadian backwoods, you’ll be thankful for having a bear deterrent on hand. Bear spray is an absolute must for anyone who wants to hike, camp, or otherwise enjoy the outdoors in areas where these large animals are present.
When used correctly, bear spray can be a highly effective way to deter an attacking bear. In fact, studies have shown that in over 80% of encounters where bear spray was used, the bear stopped its aggressive behavior.
The best bet while purchasing a grizzly deterrent is a quality product such as Bear Spray By Fence Fast, intended to deter a bear when it starts charging at you.
These mighty furry beasts are everywhere in the Canadian forests, and although they’re generally gentle when left alone, it could be pretty easy to provoke one. At any point, they can startlingly become defensive and aggressive. Therefore, to avoid compromising your and your family’s safety, knowing the right features to look for in a deterrent and the best way to utilize them is crucial.
A grizzly charging is not the same as a mugger in an alley or a small pit bulldog. A grizzly could weigh as much as 1,000 pounds and surpass the speed of an Olympic sprinter, which is why you’ll need a powerful spraying bottle that is perfect for the task.
What Is Bear Spray?
The first thing you need to understand is what bear spray actually is. Bear spray is highly potent capsaicin and pepper oil-based extract, derived from chili peppers. When released in the air, it creates a dense and incredibly irritating fog that is difficult for the bear to bear (pun intended).
The spray works by causing an intense burning sensation in the bear’s eyes, nose, and throat, which eventually causes the bear to back off. However, this is only a temporary solution as the effects of the spray wear off after 15-30 minutes.
What to Look for When Buying Bear Spray
Now that you know what bear spray is and how it works, it’s time to move on to the next step: finding the perfect bear spray for your needs. Here are some factors you should keep in mind while making your purchase:
Product Strength
Spraying an annoyed animal is not a pleasant experience, which is why you need to make sure that the bear spray you purchase has a powerful effect. The potency of the capsaicin and pepper content in the spray is generally mentioned as a percentage on the bottle.
A higher percentage means a more potent spray. For example, Bear Spray By Fence Fast contains 1% Capsaicin whereas most other brands only have 0.5%.
Blast Radius and Distance
The next thing you need to focus on is the distance at which the spray will be effective. The further away the bear, the better. Most bear sprays have a range of up to 30 feet, which should be more than enough to deter an approaching bear.
Spray Duration
The next thing you need to consider is the duration of the spray. You don’t want to be caught in a bear attack with a short-lived spray, which is why a longer spray duration is always better. It gives you enough time to back away from the bear and escape to safety.
Ideally, you should look for a spray that lasts for at least 6 seconds.
Size of Container
The size of the container is also an important consideration. You don’t want to be caught in a bear attack with a small canister that doesn’t have enough spray. A larger container will give you more sprays, so you can use it multiple times if necessary.
The bottle should weigh a minimum of 215 grams (or 7.9 ounces net weight) so that you have enough spray to deter a bear.
Type of Attached Sprayer
From a safety perspective, it is always better to have a bear spray with an attached trigger or finger guard. This ensures that you don’t accidentally discharge the spray while carrying it in your backpack. In case of a bear attack, you want to be able to use the spray quickly and easily.
Type of Product
Not all bear sprays are created equal. Some have a stronger effect than others, and some come in different forms such as foggers, streamers, and foams.
Foggers create a dense cloud of spray that is difficult for the bear to escape from. Streamers provide a continuous stream of spray that can be directed at the bear’s eyes. Foams have a lighter consistency and are less likely to cause irritation to the human skin.
Shelf Life
Are you planning to use the bear spray right away, or do you want to keep it in your backpack for emergency situations? If you’re planning to use it right away, then shelf life won’t be a major consideration. However, if you want to keep the spray for future use, then you need to make sure that it has a long shelf life.
Most bear sprays have a shelf life of 2-3 years, which is more than enough for most people.
Certifications and Approval
The last thing you need to consider is the certifications and approval of the spray. You want to make sure that the spray is approved by the EPA and that it meets all the safety standards.
The best way to find a safe and effective bear spray is to look for one that is certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). This organization tests and approves bear sprays so that you can be sure that they are effective.
What Type of Bear Spray Is The Best?
The best type of bear spray is the one that meets your specific needs and requirements. If you’re looking for a powerful and long-lasting spray, then you should opt for a fogger or streamer.
If you want a spray that is less likely to cause irritation to human skin, then you should choose a foam. To sum it up, the best type of bear spray is the one that is most suitable for your needs. It should have:
- A minimum of 7.9 ounces of aerosol able product
- Around 1-2 percent capsaicin/capsaicinoids
- An attached trigger or finger guard for safety
- A minimum work time of 6 seconds
- Twenty-five feet of spray distance
- Have a “Bear Spray” or “Bear Deterrent” mark with an EPA registration number on the product
Other Vital Aspects To Look At Before Buying Bear Spray
If you own a partially used canister or if it has passed the expiration date, get rid of it or use it as a training canister.
Bear spray is a great way to deter bears, but it is not a guarantee that you will never be attacked. There are other important things to consider when you are in a bear country such as making noise, staying together in a group, and avoiding areas where there might be bears.
Bear spray should only be used as a last resort when all other options have failed.
Conclusion
Nothing can be more effective than good judgment and proper safety precautions when you’re in bear country. Bear spray is just one tool that can be used to deter a bear, but it is not a guarantee of safety. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the other important safety measures so that you can stay safe in bear country.
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