Bear Spray - How to use

Below, you'll find top tips on how to properly use bear spray.  Remember - bear encounters are rare, but it's important to be prepared just in case.  Buy bear spray, and here are tips on how to use:

• Keep bear spray readily accessible in a quick draw holster, not stored in your pack.
• You don’t have to be a good shot with bear spray. Just put up a cloud of spray between you and the charging bear.
• Practice! Use an inert can of bear spray to practice removing it from your holster, removing the safety tab with your thumb, and firing. Practice firing inert bear spray with the wind at your back, into a head wind, and with a crosswind so that you understand how bear spray is affected by the wind.
• Do not use bear spray like insect repellent. It does not work as a deterrent when applied to people or equipment.
• No bear deterrent is 100% effective: learn how to reduce your risk while hiking in bear country.
• Make sure your bear spray is EPA-approved: don’t depend on personal defense products to stop a charging bear.
• Bear spray can explode if it reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t store it in the passenger compartment of vehicles or near any heat sources.
• Make sure your bear spray hasn’t expired.