Bear Sprays

Bear Spray

An encounter with a bear is something most people would rather avoid. But if you spend time in areas inhabited by large predators, it pays to be prepared. Bear spray is an emergency deterrent designed to create the space and time needed to retreat to safety.

Bear sprays use OC (Oleoresin Capsicum), an active ingredient derived from chilli peppers. On contact, it strongly irritates the eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory system. Compared with standard pocket-sized defensive sprays, products designed for use against large wildlife are generally larger and designed to be deployed from a greater distance.

Bear spray for the outdoors

Bear spray is particularly useful for hikers, hunters, anglers, campers and anyone who regularly spends time in areas where bears or other potentially dangerous wildlife may be encountered.

Carrying bear spray does not replace safe practices in the outdoors. The best bear encounter is still the one that never happens. Bear spray should be considered an emergency option for situations where an encounter can no longer be safely avoided or resolved in another way.

What to know before you go

Bear spray is most useful when it is quick and easy to access. If you have to search for it at the bottom of your backpack during an emergency, much of its advantage is lost. A suitable holster or other carrying system can help keep it within easy reach while you are on the move.

Before heading out, read the instructions, familiarise yourself with the safety mechanism and check the condition and expiry date of the canister. Range and spray behaviour can be affected by environmental conditions, particularly wind, so it is important to understand how your specific product works.

When travelling through areas inhabited by large predators, treat bear spray as an emergency deterrent for an unexpected encounter. It is best to have it ready – and never need to use it.