Bear Spray Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decide where to buy bear spray?

There are several questions you might want to ask yourself before choosing a bear spray. This guide is designed to help you get started. 

How does bear spray work? 

When used correctly, bear spray causes swelling of a bear's mucous membranes, shortness of breath and psychological effects such as panic. Bear experts agree that bear spray is much more effective than firearms in a human-bear confrontation. While estimates of bear spray success rates range from 90-98%, humans are injured in 50% of bear confrontations where the human uses a firearm*. Bear spray requires less accuracy (thanks to heavy fog delivery), covers more ground and is immediately accessible.

Learn more about bear spray and other preventive measures with this Bear Safety 101 video series.

*Sources: KXLH, Outside Online

Won’t irritating the bear with pepper spray just make the animal more mad?

The proper use of bear spray will cause immediate irritation to the bear's eyes, nose, mouth and lungs. Studies have shown that bears will flee due to panic, in order to find relief from the intense burning sensation.

Can you use bear spray on dogs and humans?

Do not use bear pepper spray on dogs or humans. Bear spray is regulated as a pesticide by the EPA and Health Canada, and has only been approved for use on bears. It should not be used on any other animals, including humans.

Have a question we didn't cover here? Email info@sabrered.com.