You have 2 seconds.
Do you have your bear spray ready?
Carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and learn how to use it.
Using bear spray can reduce your risk of injury if you are in a close encounter with a bear or other wildlife. Bear spray is a very effective way of deterring a bear or other wildlife at close range. Carry it when recreating or traveling, even on well-traveled trails in and around Bow Valley communities.
What is bear spray?
Bear spray 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 in the event of a close encounter. Bear spray is non-lethal and the effects on the bear may last anywhere from 10-45 minutes. The bear will be disoriented, confused and will likely run away as it will have difficulty seeing and breathing, giving you time to get out of a dangerous situation.
Be proactive:
Avoid a surprise encounter by making noise and travelling in a group.
Carry bear spray year-round in an easily accessible location like a chest or hip holster or a belt, not inside your backpack!
Attend a bear aware session in the Bow Valley or watch a video to learn about how to use bear spray.
Keep the safety clip on your bear spray. Do not leave bear spray in your vehicle for extended periods of time, especially in the summer and winter months.
Be ready to pack up food and garbage and take it with you if a bear wanders through campsites or picnic areas.
Be prepared for a bear encounter:
If a bear comes towards you, get your bear spray ready. The bear has to be in close range (4 metres or less) for your spray to be effective.
Remove the safety clip and aim for the bear’s face (make sure the nozzle is pointing away from you).
Create a wall of spray between you and the bear. Give quick, one-second bursts until the bear retreats.
Leave the area immediately.
Wind or rain may reduce the spray’s effectiveness; be careful not to get in the path of the spray.
