This question could be answered from two different perspectives – What are the ways that bear spray shouldn’t be used? Or, with more of an avoidance meaning like – How to avoid using bear spray? Both are very good questions but I have to say that I was thinking more of the “How to avoid…” question as I thought of this topic. I will, however, for the sake of education and awareness try to answer both and make some good points. Let’s get started…
Don’t Do This…
This take on the article is focused on the ways in which bear spray shouldn’t be used. There is so much information everywhere about how to use bear spray but not a lot of information about what you shouldn’t do with bear spray. So here are a few topics to read through and remember the next time you grab your canister and head out to the great outdoors:
Bear spray is not a repellant
Bear spray is a deterrent that is actively sprayed to affect an aggressive bear. It is NOT like mosquito repellant that is sprayed on you to make the mosquitos avoid you. As such, you will NEVER spray bear spray onto yourself or any other person. Save it for the bears!
Bear spray is not toy
While bear spray is considered a non-lethal deterrent or form of defense, it is still a very serious item and should be treated as such. It should be kept away from children at all times and the safety should always remain in place unless you intend to use it. It should also NEVER be sprayed on or near someone as a joke.
Never “test” bear spray
Regardless of whether you rent from us or purchase bear spray, you should never test a live canister of bear spray. There are two good reasons for this. The first being that the canisters discharge fast and even a short test may significantly reduce the amount of spray in the canister. You want to save everything for that moment you actually may need it. The second reason is that the canisters are designed to spray a cloud to create a barrier between you and a bear. This cloud would obviously be affected by wind and can, in some cases, blow back over you or others in the area. It isn’t worth it for a quick “test”.
If you actually want to test bear spray to experience what it is like to spay, there are inert cans available that do not contain capsaicin in them. These are also much cheaper and operate just like a traditional bottle of bear spray.
But Do This…
Now we move onto the section about things you can do that will help you avoid having to use bear spray. Yes, you are reading that correctly. While we think everyone should absolutely carry bear spray and be ready for an aggressive bear encounter, we honestly hope nobody ever has to use a canister they rent from us. Remember, bear spray is a deterrent and it is not 100% effective at that. Carrying bear spray does not guarantee protection from bears. Anytime you go out into the wild there is an inherent risk and the risk increases when you factor in wild animals like bears. I am not trying to scare anyone but just being very real and honest about the product we offer. It is a deterrent but it does greatly stack the odds in your favor and is highly recommended to carry when you are visiting Alaska. Even more important than carrying bear spray, however, is to do things that will reduce the chances of you having a negative bear/human encounter. These things would include:
Hike in groups
A group of people is much less likely to have a bad bear encounter compared to someone hiking solo. The old saying that there is strength in numbers is true when it comes to hiking in the Alaska wilderness. This is also true for just overall safety when exploring Alaska. Groups are good!
Make noise
Don’t be the obnoxious hiker that hikes with music blaring but you also don’t want to be completely silent. You want to avoid startling a bear as this can make them defensive. Making a reasonable amount of noise when you hike will let them know you are in the area. Hiking in a group helps with this too.
Know bears
For the most part bear just want to be left alone to do their thing. Most negative human/bear encounters are when the bear is forced into a defensive position. You may not intend any harm to a bear but if the bear feels threatened, your intentions mean nothing…they will react. You can avoid this by keeping a safe distance from any bears you encounter. You also want to be aware of your surroundings. Is there a mother bear with cubs? The mother bear may act defensively if you end up between her and her cubs. Is there food that they are protecting? If you see a park ranger talk to them about the bears in the area. Ask other hikers you encounter if they have seen any bears and certainly share any sightings you have had with others.
Don’t feed the bears
Bears are always looking for food. Try to imagine the calories needed to sustain a 1,000lbs bear trying to get ready for winter. They need a lot of food! Keep all food you have with you properly stored and managed. You don’t want to attract bears to you!
Stay calm
If you do encounter a bear, remember to stay calm and never run from a bear. Running may cause them to chase after you. You are also not going to out run a bear. Stay calm, stand your ground, and have your bear spray ready. The odds are, however, that the bear is just going to keep on doing what they were doing and not pay much attention to you if you remain calm.
Carry Bear Spray!
There is a big difference between carrying bear spray and needing bear spray. We hope that you carry it and never need it. Hopefully some of our advise helps you to have a great experience while visiting Alaska and never need your bear spray!
