Bear Spray 101: What It Is, How It Works, and Why You Need It

Bear attacks are rare, and nearly all recorded attacks in the wild result from a human surprising them. According to Tom Smith, a U.S. Geographical Survey research biologist, hunters are most at risk because "Hunters typically aren't making any noise, and they sneak around while wearing camo. They try to be silent, and though many hunters wear reflective clothing so as not to become targets for other hunters, they try to hide their movements so as not to startle game. Most bear attacks result from hunters suddenly appearing in front of them, startling a bear into an instinctive act of aggression.” 

A bear's first reaction upon detecting a human is to run away, but protecting their young or hunger can make them more likely to attack. 

Bear spray is one tool to help keep you safe in the event of a bear encounter. Smith said in an interview with Backpacker, “Put your trust in bear spray. The efficacy of spray versus guns was the subject of my most recent paper. Out of 133 encounters involving bear spray, only three people suffered injuries, which were all minor. But I found 269 incidents of gun defenses – with 17 dead people and hundreds of dead bears.” When a bear has a negative encounter with a human, wildlife officials may be forced to euthanize – not out of punishment, but because the bear may begin to associate humans with food or see them as threatening and this can increase the risk of future encounters and attacks. 

What is bear spray?

Bear spray is a non-lethal, pepper-spray-based designed to deter large mammals, like bears. The active ingredient is oleoresin capsicum, the compound that makes chili peppers spicy. 

Can I use pepper spray instead of bear spray? 

SABRE does not recommend it. Pepper spray is for use on humans and has a shorter spray range than bear spray (10-12 feet versus 30-40 feet). When comparing the two in strength, bear spray is almost 50% stronger than pepper spray. Read more about the differences of bear spray vs pepper spray in our blog.

Is bear spray effective? 

The Journal of Wildlife Management shared the results of a study that found bear spray has a success rate of more than 90% in deterring bear attacks. This means in majority of cases, it effectively deters aggressive bears, giving you the time you need to safely escape. Issues affecting success include proper deployment, distance, bear behavior (level of aggression and prior experience with humans), environmental conditions, and canister content issues.

How does bear spray work?

Bear spray releases a concentrated form of capsaicin that irritates a bear's eyes, nose, and throat, causing temporary discomfort and disorientation. It is a non-lethal, highly effective deterrent for people to use along their outdoor adventures or to keep on hand in the case of a bear wandering into your yard.

When should I use bear spray?

First, know when to carry bear spray and the local regulations on possession and use. You generally want to carry it anytime you are hiking, camping, fishing or otherwise in bear country. Be sure to check park and area regulations first, as some locations do not allow it. Next, carry it in a belt or chest holster. Do not keep it in your backpack, as there is unlikely to be enough time to grab it in the event of a bear charge or attack. 

Only use bear spray when the bear is charging or attacking you. Begin spraying once the bear is within 30-40 feet of you. Do not deploy the bear spray the moment you see a bear. Wait to see if it begins to approach you and gets within spray range. 

How do I use bear spray?

Practice using bear spray before you go out, so in the event of an attack, your reaction is instinctive. Steps to practice include pulling the canister out of its holster, removing the trigger safety, and angling the spray canister at about a 45-degree angle away from your body. Be careful not to discharge it during practice, however, there are water-based practice spray cans available for training purposes. 

Keep your bear spray in the same place every time, in a belt or chest holster, so you don't have to think about where it is. When a bear begins to approach, wait until it is about 30-40 feet away to spray the cloud between you and it. 

1. Remove the safety – Pull off the safety clip or tab to prepare the spray for use. Remember, bear spray has a stronger potency than traditional pepper spray, so you might see a safety mechanism on the handle to prevent accidental discharge.
2. Check the wind – Make sure the wind is at your back, blowing toward the bear to avoid blowback.
3. Aim properly – Do not spray at 90°. Hold the can at a 45–60° angle from the ground (not straight out) to keep the spray low and in the bear’s path – and not over its head.
4. Spray – Press down on the actuator to deploy the spray, creating a barrier between you and the bear.

Keep in mind: Bear spray is not a prevention solution; it is a reactive one. Do not spray it on skin, clothing, camping gear or other personal items. 

How do I store bear spray?

Most bear sprays contain aerosol and must be kept away from high heat to avoid explosions. Avoid leaving it in your vehicle where direct sunlight and unusually extreme heat is common, especially in spring, summer, and early fall months. For avid campers, SABRE bear spray cans have a glow-in-the-dark safety wedge mechanism so it is easily visible at night – just make sure it is stored safely inside your tent to avoid accidental discharge. Do not keep bear spray near an open flame as it can result in an unfortunate event of an explosion. Note that at this time, TSA prohibits bear spray in carry-on and checked luggage. SABRE bear spray is available at retailers across the country and is easy to find once you land at your destination.

Keep bear spray safely away from children and pets, in a locked container or on a high shelf. Additionally, check the expiration date before heading out as expired products can be less effective. Don’t take any chances. Learn more about how to check if your bear spray is expired in our blog post, “Your Most Googled Bear Spray Questions Answered.” 

How do I select the right bear spray?

When you're shopping for bear spray, make sure it's EPA approved, like the SABRE’s Frontiersman Max line. t's the only spray on the market approved for use against both bears and mountain lions, and it's powerful enough to help deter an aggressive encounter. Next, think about how you’ll want to carry it—would a belt or chest holster feel more comfortable and accessible for you? You’ll also want to choose a spray with at least a 25-foot range and a spray time of 6 to 8 seconds.

As for can size, go with 7.9 ounces or larger for the best protection. (SABRE bear spray bear spray comes in both 7.9 oz and 9.2 oz options, and you can get either size with a belt or chest holster.)

More Bear Safety Tips

One of the most important bear safety tips is to store food properly so it does not attract bears in the first place. SABRE Frontiersman bear resistant food storage container is one option. Storing your food in a bear-proof container is essential because bears have an incredibly strong sense of smell and are naturally drawn to human food, which they learn to associate with easy meals—this not only puts you at risk during a close encounter but also endangers the bear, as food-conditioned bears often become aggressive and may ultimately have to be relocated or euthanized for public safety.

While hiking on a trail, it is important to make noise. This proactively alerts a bear - and other wildlife to your existence and increases the likelihood they will steer clear. Having loud conversations, music playing, or carrying bear bells or a bair horn can decrease the chances of encountering a bear. If you spot a bear, stay quiet and still. Do not make sudden movements or retreat quickly. There is a probability the bear might not notice you and move along on its own. 

Research bear behavior ahead of time, such as the difference between a bluff charge and real attack, and know how to react appropriately to an attack based on the bear species. For instance, fight back against a black bear attack and play dead during a grizzly bear attack. Check out our guide on the differences between the two bears.

Bear spray is not a last resort – it is a first line of defense. Never go into bear country without it.