BEAR SPRAY 101
Whether you're hiking, picnicking, camping, biking, trail running, or paddling here in Banff National Park or Kananaskis, carrying bear spray is a no-brainer. It can help reduce your risk of injury if you find yourself in a showdown with a bear or other aggressive wildlife. But remember, bear spray is a last resort—think of it as the eject button on your bear encounter. It's not uncommon to see a bear on trail or in urban areas of Banff & Canmore. So, prep like a pro before venturing into bear country!
FAQ
Purchasing Bear Spray
What is bear spray?
It's a deterrent that contains capsaicin, the spicy chemical found in chili peppers. Packaged in a small, portable spray canister, it's designed to repel bears during close encounters.
What does bear spray do?
The canister emits a cone-shaped cloud of pepper spray, reaching up to 10 meters at over 100 km/h. When a bear encounters the spray, its eyes and skin will sting, and it will experience difficulty breathing—symptoms unpleasant enough to encourage it to retreat.
Does it hurt the bear?
The spray is non-lethal, causing discomfort but no harm to the bear. This discomfort distract its and forces it to retreat, giving you time to get out of there!
While it might seem cruel, it can teach the bear not to be so curious when they see a human. We don't want bears to be comfortable around people (or eat high calorie people food) as it increases problem bear behavior -- This kind of behavior can lead to the bear being relocated or destroyed.
What should I look for when buying bear spray?
- Check that it isn’t expired
- Check that it has a safety clip
- Check that it says “Bear Spray” or “Bear Repellent” - To be legal in Canada the canister must clearly show that it’s intended for use on animals.
Where can I buy it?
UNLTD Boardshop carries 2 options for bear spray. One with 0.75% Capsaicin and a stronger version with .98% Capsaicin. Bear spray is available at our Banff Ave location and our Canmore location.
You can also purchase bear spray at the Parks Canada Visitor Center and other outdoor equipment retailers in Banff and Canmore.
Why do I need photo ID to buy it?
Bear spray is a controlled substance in Canada. Photo identification is required to purchase it, and all purchasers are recorded. A completed waiver is also required, which outlines the appropriate use.
When you visit us in store, our staff will explain how it works, educate you on bear safety and how to use your spray in the event of an encounter.
Before Your Adventure....
- Read the instructions on your bear spray canister
- Carry it in a holster you can reach easily and quickly with your dominant hand. A surprise bear encounter can happen in seconds and you want to be ready, so putting it inside your pack is a no-no.
- At least one person in your party should be carrying bear spray, but it’s ideal if everyone has their own for backup.
- On your way to your adventure, make sure you store your bear spray with the safety clip on, in the trunk of your vehicle or in a sealed container. Avoid extreme temperatures and anything that could puncture the canister.
AVOIDING AN ENCOUNTER
- Make noise - let bears know you are there, call out, talk loudly or sing, especially near streams and rivers, dense vegetation, berry patches and in areas of low visibility. This is especially important on windy days because bears may not have the chance to catch your scent or hear you coming.
- Watch for signs of bears - Tracks, droppings, diggings and torn up logs are signs a bear has been in the area, if they look fresh, keep on moving.
- Always keep your dog on a leash or leave fido on home as dogs can provoke defensive behavior in bears.
- Travel in a group- Larger groups are less likely to have a serious bear encounter, Parks Canada recommends a tight knit group of 4 or more.
- Use officially marked trails and travel in daylight hours
If you see a bear
- Stop and remain calm, get ready to use your bear spray and NEVER run away or scream. Screams and sudden movements could trigger an attack.
- If the bear is unaware of your presence, move away quietly without getting its attention.
- If the bear is aware of your presence, stay calm, speak to it calmly and firmly. Sometimes a curious bear will stand up and sniff the air as it tries to identify you. If the bear stops advancing, back away slowly and leave the area. If the bear continues to advance, continue to talk to it in a loud, firm voice. Intimidate the bear by making yourself appear BIG and stay in a tight group if traveling with others. Don’t drop your pack, it can provide protection and you wouldn't want the bear to get a free lunch and associate humans with easy calories.
- If the bear approaches closely (within a bus length) use your bear spray.
USING YOUR BEAR SPRAY
Bear spray is a tool that should be your last resort. Have it ready but try your best to stay calm and slowly get out of the bears way first. If the bear is coming towards you, talk to it firmly saying something like “HEY BEAR!” to try to scare it off. This lets it know you are a human and not prey.
If the bear is not backing down and approaches closely, remove the safety clip of the bear spray and aim the nozzle towards the bears face. Deploy the spray in quick one-second bursts, creating a wall of spray between you and the bear until it retreats. Leave the area immediately. Be careful to not get in the path of the spray.
HOW NOT TO USE BEAR SPRAY
Bear spray is NOT like bug spray, never spray it on yourself, your tent or gear. Studies have found that the lingering smell of spicy bear spray can actually attract bears.
Protecting the bears
The best thing you can do for bears is to limit their exposure to you. Consider not stopping when you see a roadside bear and letting it feed peacefully. You should never intentionally lure a bear with food. Dispose of all your adventure garbage in bear-proof bins provided. Use only official trails and leave wild trails for the animals. Respect closures and group access requirements (some trails require hikers to travel in groups of 4 or more). Fines may apply to those who do not comply. For more information on protecting bears and our ecosystem, visit the Parks Canada Visitors Center.
Bear Spray tips have been gathered from Parks Canada. For up to date Information on trail closures and bear sightings, check out the Canmore Visitors Centre & Banff National Park Visitors Centres.