Learn how to properly use bear repellents.

Like us, many campers are preparing an RV trip to Western Canada or the Côte-Nord and Gaspésie. When we go to wild places, we must be ready to encounter bears at any moment. Carrying and knowing how to properly use bear deterrents can help prevent injuries if you encounter a bear. Why not take a quick 2 minutes to read this article that could save a life.

Types of Bear Deterrents

The two most effective bear deterrents are bear spray and noisemakers. Carrying both is the best solution. Know when to use a noisemaker or bear spray. • Noisemakers are better suited to deter a bear that is at a distance - one that sees you and continues to approach or one that is heading toward your camp or group. • Before using noisemakers, always assess the situation. Ensure there is no one around you and that the bear has a clear escape route. A bear that has been startled by a noisemaker may not be able to avoid groups of people while fleeing the area. • Remember that the noisemaker may not immediately deter the bear, especially if the bear has already had experience with sound deterrents. Additionally, noisemakers may not prevent the bear from returning to the area. • Bear spray is best used when you need to deter a bear at close range.

Bear Spray

• No bear deterrent provider can guarantee 100% success with their product. However, in a study on bear encounters in Alaska, it was found that 98% of those using bear spray were not injured by the bear. The remaining 2% only sustained minor injuries that did not require hospitalization. • Compared to a firearm, pepper spray is more effective at interrupting a bear attack and its use reduces the risk of injury to you or the bear. • The active ingredient in bear spray is capsaicin oleoresin, which irritates the eyes, nose, and lungs, causing severe but temporary eye irritation and breathing difficulties. • You must always be alert, diligent, and prepared. Being BearSmart can prevent unwanted encounters from occurring in the first place. Bear spray should be your last resort.

Buying Bear Spray

• Ensure that the canister is labeled "to deter bear attacks." • The canister must weigh at least 225 grams (7.9 ounces). • Check the expiration date of the canister and replace it if necessary. • Make sure to buy a belt or chest holster to carry your pepper spray. It is best to buy a holster that closes on top so that the canister does not slip out. • After making your purchase, be sure to remove the cable ties that hold the safety clip in place (see image below). If you forget to remove the cable ties, they will prevent you from removing the safety clip during a bear encounter.

Practicing Using Pepper Spray

Always read the information on the canister label to know the specific spray range and duration of your product. Be sure to carefully follow all instructions. Practice and familiarize yourself with your canister and holster combination. • Practice reaching for your spray until you can retrieve it quickly. Practicing until you can grab your spray without thinking will help you react effectively during a bear encounter. • The best option is to practice with an inert canister, which has the same spray power but not the hot pepper ingredient. If you practice with a new canister, you will use some of the limited spray that you might need during a bear encounter. • Each canister of pepper spray has a limited spray duration, usually up to eight seconds. Read the label on your canister to know how many seconds of spray yours contains. • Take an in-person training course on bear spraying.

Storing Bear Spray

• Keep the canister away from objects that could crush or puncture it. • Never leave the canister in direct sunlight or in a place where temperatures can become very hot or very cold, such as in your vehicle. • When driving, store the bear spray in a travel container. Once you arrive, do not keep the pepper spray in your vehicle. • Temperature variations can damage the canister. • Bear spray cannot be transported on commercial airline flights.

Carrying Bear Spray

• Keep the spray accessible. Carry it in a hip or chest holster, not in your backpack or with your other gear. • When biking or ATVing, the best option is to keep the bear spray in a chest holster or jersey pocket. • You can also modify the bear spray canister to fit inside your bike's water bottle holder, or you can install a special bear spray holder. Remember that if you keep your bear spray on your bike or ATV, you may not be able to reach it if you become separated from your bike or ATV during a bear encounter. • While you sleep, keep the spray next to your flashlight.

Using Bear Spray

• Bears are usually wary of people and will leave if they know you are in the area. If the bear sees you and continues to approach, be prepared to deter it with your bear spray. • Bear spray is a proven deterrent, but you must know how to use it and keep it on you in a belt or chest holster, not in your backpack or on your bike or ATV. • Do not run. Defend your territory. Gather your group. • Be prepared to use your bear spray by removing the safety clip. • Assess the wind direction. Strong winds will affect the distance and direction of your spray. If possible, turn so that the wind is at your back. • Speak in a calm voice. • Try to slowly leave the area, retracing your steps back to where you arrived, without turning your back on the bear. • Remove the canister from the holster. Hold the canister with both hands. • Aim low in front of the bear so that the animal rushes into the spray. • When the bear is within 4 meters (up to 13 feet), spray in 1 to 2 second bursts in quick succession, aiming just below the head, or at the bear's nose and mouth until the bear leaves. • If there is wind, the spray may blow back in your direction. • Be ready to move out of the bear's path. • Spray and react. Reassess your situation. • When the attack is interrupted, retreat. Do not run. Do not turn your back on the bear and do not try to chase it away. • When the bear leaves, do not follow it. Go in a different direction or leave in the direction you came from.

First Aid Treatment for Bear Spray

• Anyone who has been accidentally sprayed should be moved from the contaminated area to fresh air as quickly as possible. • Rinse exposed skin with cold water and soap. Mild, oil-free soaps such as baby soaps are best. • Do not rub the exposed areas. Dry with a towel. • To rinse the spray from your eyes, place your head under water and open your eyes every few seconds. Do not rub your eyes. • Remove contact lenses. • Do not apply lotions or creams to the exposed areas. • If the effects of the spray do not dissipate within 30 to 45 minutes, seek medical attention. [pms-restrict subscription_plans="11497"][ads_ad id=7519][/pms-restrict]

Noisemakers

The most effective noisemaker in bear country is you. Talking or singing loudly can help avoid surprise encounters with wildlife. With enough warning of your approach, wildlife typically retreats with their young from the area. • Airhorns: easily portable in bear country; create a loud, piercing sound of over 120 decibels.

Using an Airhorn

• Use noisemakers to scare bears that are aware of your presence but are not leaving the area. • Be prepared to defend yourself with bear spray in case the noisemaker does not deter the bear.