Bear Spray Frequently Asked Questions

Bear spray is one of the most effective tools for staying safe in bear country, but many hikers, campers, and outdoor adventurers still have questions about how it works, when to use it, and why it’s considered the best option for non-lethal protection. This FAQ guide answers the most common questions about bear spray—covering everything from safety tips and proper use to storage and legal considerations—so you can head outdoors with confidence and peace of mind.

Do I Really Need Bear Spray?

Choosing whether to carry bear spray shouldn’t be just about price, but it’s about performance, protection, and peace of mind. Here are a few questions to consider:

1. What animals might I encounter (bears only, or mountain lions too)?
2. How far does the spray reach?
3. Is the brand EPA-regulated?
4. How easy is it to access in a high-stress situation?

How does bear spray work?

Bear spray is a powerful deterrent made from oleoresin capsicum (OC), a natural substance derived from hot peppers. When sprayed, it creates a heavy fog that causes:

1. Swelling of the bear’s mucous membranes
2. Shortness of breath
3. Intense eye and nose irritation
4. Disorientation and panic

This overwhelming reaction will cause most bears to retreat immediately.

Is Bear Spray Effective?

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% to 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.
*Sources: , Outside Online

What's the Difference Between Bear Spray and Pepper Spray?

While both use the same active ingredient (oleoresin capsicum), bear spray is significantly stronger and designed for use at longer distances. Pepper spray is designed to temporarily incapacitate a human attacker. Bear spray contains a higher concentration of the active ingredient – making it the stronger spray - and is designed to be shot at a further distance from the attacking bear or mountain lion.

Why Choose Frontiersman Max?

SABRE Frontiersman MAX Bear and Mountain Lion Deterrent offers a unique combination of power, range, and safety features that set it apart:

1. EPA Maximum Strength (2.0% Major Capsaicinoids)
2. Glow-in-the-Dark Safety Tab – easy to locate in low visibility
3. Quick-Draw Holsters – no straps to slow you down
4. Longest Range – up to 40 feet
5. Approved for Bears and Mountain Lions
6. HPLC Guarantee – tested for consistent and maximum strength in every canister

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.

Won't irritating the bear with pepper spray make the animal angrier?

It’s a common concern, but studies show the opposite. When deployed properly, bear spray overwhelms the bear’s senses and triggers a fight-or-flight response—usually flight. The discomfort is so intense that the bear flees to seek relief, not revenge.

Can you use bear spray on humans and dogs?

Absolutely not. SABRE’s Bear spray is classified by the EPA as a pesticide and is only approved for use on bears. SABRE’s bear deterrent is the only exception, being an EPA-approved spray for both bears and mountain lions. It should never be used on humans, dogs, or any other animals. For self-defense against people, use personal pepper spray formulated for that purpose. If you have further questions about how to use bear spray, the correct distance to use bear spray effectively, or even basic queries like what bear spray is, we are here to help. If you have a question we didn't cover here, email info@sabrered.com.

Learn more about the proper usage of bear spray.