Carry bear spray.
Know how to use it.
Know how to use it.
Bear Safety Tips
Bear Spray Saves Lives
Why carry bear spray?
Because bear spray is the safest, easiest to use and most effective way to deter an aggressive bear. Research shows that using bear spray protected people from serious injury or death more than 90% of the time. Source: Smith et al., 2006
How to Use Bear Spray: Watch the Video
Video provided by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Need to Use Bear Spray?
1. Grab your bear spray.
2. Release safety clip.
3. Hold with both hands.
4. Aim towards the bear’s face and slightly downward.
5. Spray a short burst (2 to 3 seconds).
6. If the bear keeps approaching, spray again.
7. Replace safety clip & stow canister.
Practice the Quick Draw
Spraying bear spray is easy. Quickly removing the canister and getting ready to use it takes practice. You may have only seconds to react.
Strap on your gear/backpack. Put canister where you’ll carry it.
Quickly grab canister, remove from holster.
Release safety clip.
Practice aiming with 2 hands.
Replace safety clip and stow canister.
Inert demonstration/training canisters are available online from manufacturers. They spray like bear spray, but don’t contain any active ingredients. Save your real bear spray for the trail.
The Bear Spray Basics
Choose Genuine Bear Spray – Look for the EPA registration number on the label. It guarantees you’re choosing a product specifically formulated to deter bears. Personal defense products are not formulated for use on bears. Bear spray is widely available at local stores, online retailers and from manufacturers.
Keep Bear Spray Accessible – Carry your bear spray where you can get your hands on it in seconds. There are many types of carriers available, including waist and chest holsters and harnesses. Some people carry their bear spray in a secure cargo pocket or water bottle pouch. Never bury bear spray in your pack or carry it with the safety clip removed. When you’re in camp, keep a canister within reach in your tent and cooking area.
A few bear spray holster options.
Carry Your Own Spray – No matter how big your group is, everyone should carry their own bear spray and know how to use it. If someone needs to use their bear spray, there will still be enough remaining for the rest of the trip. Before you go, review our Encounter tips and make a plan with your group about how to respond in a bear encounter.
Read the Directions – Bear spray is available in several sizes, which affects how long the can will last and how far the spray disperses. The label will list the maximum distance your spray should travel (generally 20 to 40 feet), the area it should cover, and how many seconds it will spray. Read the instructions on how to use your spray. Check the expiration date.
Store Safely – Store bear spray in a cool, dry place out of reach of kids and pets. Don’t store bear spray in the fridge or freezer. Never leave bear spray in your vehicle or glove box; temperatures over 120F may cause the canister to explode.
Traveling with Bear Spray – Bear spray is not allowed on airplanes, but you can ship it to yourself at your destination or use the ship-to-a-store option offered by many retailers. Some popular tourist areas offer bear spray rentals for the duration of your stay. Check with your destination before you leave.
Avoid Accidental Discharge – Keep the safety clip securely in place until you need to use your bear spray. Never play around with bear spray. Spray shoots out at more than 70 mph; at very close range that much pressure can do permanent eye damage. Read more in our FAQs below. A good option for preventing an accidental discharge is to store the canister in a protective container (available from bear spray manufacturers).
First Aid Instructions are on the label. Bear spray is oil-based, so wash off residue with soap and water. Don’t rub your eyes or nose. Rinse your eyes with clean water until the irritation lessons. Effects generally wear off in about 45 minutes.
Helpful Bear Spray Tips
Bear spray doesn’t work like bug repellent. Never spray yourself, your tent, campsite, belongings or surroundings.
Carry bear spray in the same place every time; then you don’t have to think about where it is.
Practice quick drawing at the beginning of every hike, so if you need your spray, your actions will be automatic.
Grab your spray with your dominant hand so you won’t have to switch hands and risk dropping it, wasting precious time.
Bear Spray FAQs
Yes! Research shows that compared to all other methods of deterring bears, including firearms, bear spray is the most successful at stopping a bear that threatens you and preventing or greatly reducing attacks and injuries. Carrying bear spray is not a substitute for following recommended safety practices for avoiding encounters and preventing conflicts.
