If you work or visit areas where bears may be present, you might have been told to “be prepared with bear spray”, but what is actually in bear spray and how does it work?
In short, bear spray is the last line of defense against bear attacks. While many bear encounters do not result in the use of bear spray, in close contact encounters, it has been proven to minimize harm and prevent fatalities. In a study conducted in Alaska, it was found that 98% of people who carried bear spray were uninjured in a close-range bear encounter.
How does it work?
Bear spray is an aerosol, similar to hair spray or bug spray. Aerosols are a combination of propellants and solvents under pressure that are contained within a can.
Propellant
The propellant is what allows for the solvent to be dispersed into the air. Most bear sprays use a propellant called R134a, popular for it’s non-flammable and non-toxic properties.
Solvents
The Solvent is the product that is being dispersed into the air. In the case of bear spray the solvent or “product” is called capsaicin.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers. It is commonly used in food products, pharmaceuticals and animal deterrents. It creates a burning sensation upon contact making it an irritant to mammals, including bear and humans.
Always be prepared with Bear Spray
Bear spray is the last line of defense to stop bears in their tracks, dispersing a pepper cloud up to 35ft, temporarily disabling a charging bear. Bear safety starts with bear spray.
- 2% total capsaicinoids
- 5s of continuous Spray
- Non-Toxic, Non-Lethal
- Glow-in-the-dark safety tab
- Works on Black, Grizzly, and Polar Bears
- Intuitive design is easy to use under pressure
Contents
2% Total Capsaicinoids, 1.1% Concentration of Capsaicin, and 0.9% related capsaicinoids
Technical Specs
230g canister contains 5 seconds of continuous spray
Bear spray stops bears in their tracks by dispersing a pepper cloud up to 35ft
