You have 2 seconds.
Carry your bear spray and know how to use it.

Animal attacks happen quickly, especially when wildlife feels threatened or is surprised. Often what stands between you and an aggressive animal is the 2-seconds you have to grab your bear spray and use it. Carrying bear spray isn’t enough — it needs to be easily accessible and you need to know how to use it. While attacks by carnivores (bears, cougars, wolves, coyotes)  are relatively rare throughout the Bow Valley, bear spray can also be used to deter aggressive ungulates (like elk during calving season or the rut). 

  • Surprise: You startled the animal, especially in thick bushes, near running water or around blind corners.

    Protection: The animal is defending its babies, food, or territory.

    Fear/Threatened: You got too close, and the animal feels trapped or scared. Learn more about giving wildlife space.

    Threatened by a dog: An off-leash dog may agitate wildlife by being too close or running towards it. When the wildlife responds and your dog gets scared it could bring danger back to you. Learn more about keeping pets on leash in the Bow Valley.

    Attacks don’t just happen in remote backcountry areas; they can happen in dog parks, on streets and roadways, on highways, and camping sites. Being prepared means having what you need to take care of your pet (such as a leash, water) and yourself (bear spray, proper clothing and footwear)

  • It is a deterrent containing capsaicin, a chemical found in chili peppers. It comes in a small, portable spray canister and is intended to repel a bear or other aggressive wildlife in the event of a close encounter.

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  • How to dispose of expired or unused bear spray

    In Canmore, you have two options:

    1. Take expired or unused bear spray to the Household Hazardous Waste area (near paint and light bulbs waste) at the 115 Boulder Crescent Recycling Depot (open every day 8:30 - 16:15).

    2. Take it to the Canmore Fire-Rescue Services Building on Palliser Trail and drop it off in the designated bear spray bin by the front door.

    In Banff, you have two options:

    1. Take expired or unused bear spray to the Waste Transfer Site Drop-Off at 160 Hawk Avenue. The Transfer Site is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. except public holidays.

    2. Take expired or unused bear spray to the Banff Visitor Information Centre at 224 Banff Avenue

      Hours

    • January 1 to May 15: 9 am to 5 pm

    • May 16 to September 1: 8 am to 8 pm

    • September 2 to December 31: 9 am to 5 pm

  • Getting sprayed with bear spray will cause your eyes to close and tear up. The pain can last up to 45 minutes, but getting sprayed does no permanent damage.

     If you’re accidentally sprayed with bear spray, wash your eyes repeatedly with clear water and pat dry. Resist the urge to rub, that will intensify the effects. Effects should wear off in about 45 minutes. Bear spray is oil-based, so wash with soap and water if you get bear spray on your skin, clothing or equipment. Pre-packaged wipes will come in handy if you don’t have soap.

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Always put garbage in a wildlife-proof bin.