Bear Safety Tips

How & When to Use Bear Spray

“Whether hunting or hiking, keeping my bear spray close at hand lets me focus on a great day afield-and keeps me and my family safe.”

Craig Boddington, Hunting Journalist

Bear Spray IS Effective

Bear spray stopped black bears’ undesirable behavior 90% of the time, according to “Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska” (Smith et al., 2010).

Bear Spray

Using bear spray when a bear charges

Practice removing the safety cap before you have to use bear spray

When you first see a bear, go ahead and get the bear spray into your hands. Be ready to use it only if the bear approaches closer than 50 feet (15 m). You may need to spray the bear twice or more.

Follow these steps:

  1. Stand your ground. Running away may trigger the bear’s instinct to chase.
  3. If the bear approaches within 20-30 feet (6-10 m), spray using both hands following manufacturer’s directions. Aim directly in front of the bear’s head and a little downward. A cloud of ingredients will billow up from the ground, creating a wall of spray. When the bear reaches the cloud, it will feel it.
  4. If the bear continues to approach you, spray it again.
  5. Stay out of the spray! If possible, try to shoot downwind.
  6. Monitor the bear’s activities, and do not turn your back on the bear for any reason.
  7. When the bear retreats, continue to watch it and move away slowly.

Does bear spray really work?
And other FAQs

bear spray when hiking
(Photo: Linda Masterson)
What is bear spray?



Does bear spray really work?


You must carry the spray on your person, know how to use it, and be ready on a moment’s notice.

How do I buy bear spray?

Bear spray is available in many outdoor, hunting and sporting goods stores. You can also order it online. Canisters labeled “pepper spray,” may not have the correct concentration of ingredients. Instead, look for canisters marked “Bear Spray” or “Bear Deterrent,” with a minimum of 7.9 ounces (225 gr) of product, an EPA registration, and a concentration of 1-2% capsaicin and capsaicinoids. Check the expiration date to be sure the ingredients have a reasonable shelf life. For more information, download the 2017 IGBC Bear Spray Guidelines.

Is bear spray just for grizzlies?


Is bear spray dangerous?


I already carry a gun when I hunt. Do I still need to carry bear spray?


  • Bear spray requires less accuracy than bullets fired at a moving target, especially when you’re under stress.


What’s the difference between bear spray and pepper spray?

There are several differences between bear spray and pepper spray:

  • You can expect bear spray to shoot farther than regular pepper spray and cover a wider area. Most bear sprays shoot 20 to 30 feet in range.
  • Bear spray is more highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure it is effective and humane.
  • The EPA measures the amount of capsaicin and related capsaicinoids of bear spray and pepper spray. The capsaicinoid percentage in bear deterrent is typically 2% while in pepper spray it’s only 1.33%