# The bear spray thread **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 4, 2025, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193 "2025-06-04T12:40:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![KCB615](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ea666f/32.png) [@KCB615](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KCB615)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/21 "2025-06-05T01:03:58Z")
I was in Big Sky, Montana last year for a couple of days for work and did some solo hiking (I know, I know). I rented bear spray from a place in Bozeman right next to the airport. It wasn’t that much, maybe $12 or something plus a deposit. Dropped it off when I headed out a few days later. They made me watch a 5 minute video on how to use it, and I had to demonstrate I could pull the canister out of the holster, unlock the trigger, and be spraying in like 1.3 seconds or something. Gave an interesting perspective to think about doing that with an irritated bear charging at me. For full impact, the forest service closed the trail I was on the week after I left due to bear activity. Beautiful hike, though. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/22 "2025-06-05T01:24:47Z")
> [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > Bears cannot differentiate between the ambient noise of birds chirping and the sound of bells tinkling. I loathe air horns. I used bear bells, but I’d also sing, often “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic.” No bear would mistake my caterwauling for birdsong–a pterodactyl, maybe, but not a bird. Some of my students had summer jobs at the local WalMart. Every now and then a tourist would ask, “How long before hiking do I have to apply this bear spray?” These people vote. And drive. And pet bison. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/23 "2025-06-05T01:27:43Z")
But only once or twice. So there’s that going for the rest of us. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/24 "2025-06-05T01:56:10Z")
When we visited Glacier (nearly 40 years ago!) we carried bear bells - basically 3 large “jingle bells” on a leather strap. The theory is that as you walk, you’re making noise, and the bears think “anything that noisy must be something to avoid”. And the closest we came to a bear sighting was a fresh pile of poop in the middle of a hiking trail. Had we seen an actual bear, it would not have been the only thing crapping on the trail that day. We actually reported it at a ranger station, as they ask you to report any bear sightings. The ranger said that many of her colleagues were skeptical about bear bells - but she wore them and had never encountered a bear, while they all had. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/25 "2025-06-05T11:05:50Z")
Sounds like many of those rangers are not smarter than the a-ver-age bear. Was this by any chance Jellystone park? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/26 "2025-06-05T11:20:50Z")
> [@nelliebly](#): > > I loathe air horns. I used bear bells… Wait, am I misunderstanding? I assumed you use the air horn only to scare off a bear that is approaching (or, at least, too close for comfort). I didn’t imagine that you emit random blasts of noise whilst you hike. mmm ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/27 "2025-06-05T11:52:31Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > “I’msoterrifiedIcan’tevenaim” This. I’ve got a .357. I carry bear spray instead. Usually just in the spring and fall when bears are more likely to be wandering around. There was a case recently where a fellow shot and dropped a charging bear with a .44mag. He either has nerves of steel, no nerves or is very, very lucky. I vote for lucky. The noise from a gun shot does get their attention though. I’ve used that to scare bears away from my property when they where casing the joint. Neighbor has done the same. We always let each other know if we see a bear about. My neighbor will carry a .38 snub nose when walking his dogs. Which is not going to be much help IMHO except in the case that the noise scares the bear. Lot’s of good suggestions to the OP though. I think we bought our bear spray at Walmart. And just give it to someone else when you are done with the hike. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/28 "2025-06-05T12:03:14Z")
I’ve addressed this in other threads, but I’ll do it again. Bear spray is fine as long as you are upwind. Otherwise, you’ll get a snootful of the stuff and may end up as lunch. Guns are pretty useless as bear protection for reasons already stated, as are bells, which are not loud enough. Noisemakers such as airhorns or personal “shriekers” that activate when you pull the lanyard work the best. Bears don’t like unfamiliar loud noises. I lived in Alaska for a number of years and at one point had a discussion with a guide who hiked in bear country for a living. This was her advice. She said that in all her years hiking in the back country, she had never had a bear NOT run when she pulled the lanyard. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/29 "2025-06-05T12:28:16Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > She said that in all her years hiking in the back country, she had never had a bear NOT run when she pulled the lanyard. That’s good enough for me. LOL ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/30 "2025-06-05T14:22:51Z")
Another bonus of the airhorn vs. the spray is that, with the horn, you can implement it at a greater distance from the bar. (spelled “bar” intentionally) mmm ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/31 "2025-06-05T17:34:20Z")
There are some interesting bear spray videos out there. Also, search for bear release videos where rangers capture and release a problem bear. Those grizzlies come out of the truck hot. ETA: I always forget how to embed videos here. ---
**Author:** ![MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ec9cab/32.png) [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/32 "2025-06-05T17:47:32Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > > [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > > > I keep a can of bear spray beside my bed. > > Likely works well against burglars, & a missed shot won’t kill the neighbors. > > I’m not sure I’d choose bear spray for defending yourself in an enclosed space against a human opponent. It’s really better for outdoor use; a burst will go everywhere in a bedroom. Pepper spray would be better, IMO, but I don’t have experience with using that. Yes. Pepper gel is the most appropriate for that. Pom or Sabre red brand. An actual cannister. Not something that looks like a keychain or tube or lipstick that only sprays 5 feet. But bear spray could work well in an enclosed space if you use it as a booby trap. If a hallway separates you and the burglar, spray that shit down the hallway and get back into your room. If your house has very large rooms, I guess bear spray could work out. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/33 "2025-06-05T17:58:08Z")
This podcast about fly fishing has an episode on safety in the wild including the use of bear spray. They’re folksy and fun. > **[S3:E48 Fly Fishing Safely in the Summer - 2 Guys and A River](https://2guysandariver.com/s3e48-fly-fishing-safely-in-the-summer/)** > > In this episode of the best fly fishing podcast, Steve and Dave identify some of the risks of fly fishing safely in the summer and offer some practical ways to stay safe. ---
**Author:** ![MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ec9cab/32.png) [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MW_Degen_Gamblr)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/34 "2025-06-05T17:59:39Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > There is a bear encounter [thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-charged-at-by-a-black-bear/1019176) that raised some questions in my mind about my upcoming trip to Glacier National Park. So as not to hijack @FloatyGimpy’s tale, I started my own bear thread (not to be confused with my own bare thread). > > The aforementioned thread got me thinking about bear encounters and bear spray. I know I need it, and I ~~know~~ assume I cannot carry it on the plane and will need to obtain it on site. > > I also assume it will probably go unused at the end of the trip, which makes me wonder what I do with my can of unused spray? Give it to another random hiker? > > And that thought leads me to this thought: Can I just purchase a can of BS from someone whose trip is done and their spray remains unused? Is there a system for buying “used” (but not really used) bear spray? If not, there oughta be. > > Also, what about an air horn? Should I carry that along with bear spray during my hikes? > > Thanks, > > mmm I would not recommend acquiring a can of used pepper spray from another person. You don’t know what kind of conditions the can has been in. If it gets cold enough the canister can depressurize and the spray will be less powerful. I think Frontiersman bear spray is a good one. 2% MC and sprays up to 30 feet. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/35 "2025-06-05T18:23:55Z")
> [@MW\_Degen\_Gamblr](#): > > If it gets cold enough the canister can depressurize and the spray will be less powerful. While cold. Once it warms back up it should return to normal. Unless there’s something else going on than simple heating and cooling of the payload and the propellent. One thing I would question / doubt is whether anyone selling a used canister has actually used any of it. The larger cans are not one-shot items. But I’d not want to buy one thinking it was 100% full when it was not. Lotta ways for a partly used can to lose a lot more pressure / propellant than payload. So it weighs near the label weight, but it’s a semi-dud when you need it. Oops. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/36 "2025-06-05T19:41:38Z")
> [@nelliebly](#): > > Every now and then a tourist would ask, “How long before hiking do I have to apply this bear spray?” At least four hours before you go hiking. Want to make sure you’re properly marinated and spicy, which is the way the bears prefer their human flesh. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/37 "2025-06-05T20:02:16Z")
Nashville long pig is their favorite treat. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/38 "2025-06-05T20:12:56Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Another bonus of the airhorn vs. the spray is that, with the horn, you can implement it at a greater distance from the bar. > > (spelled “bar” intentionally) > > mmm [![](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net%2FLHq3MyMK4xW2ibET5vLgEQ-320-80.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=a5e2ef86559db780f6aae3f488303aeb552165752390314b05ae67e2cfcb7b54) ](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net%2FLHq3MyMK4xW2ibET5vLgEQ-320-80.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=a5e2ef86559db780f6aae3f488303aeb552165752390314b05ae67e2cfcb7b54) _Wal, a wiser fella than m’self once said, sometimes you eat the bar en…and sometimes the bar, wal, he eats you._ ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2025, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/39 "2025-06-06T01:38:57Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > I didn’t imagine that you emit random blasts of noise whilst you hike. Oh, no, no. Bears can be provoked by air horns, a reaction I understand all too well, as they provoke the bejeebers out of me. I hiked with a number of hikers and guides who grew up in bear territory. (I grew up in Chicago Bears territory.) None of them carried air horns. I’m not saying nobody should use them, but I hate 'em and never wanted to risk provocation. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2025, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193/40 "2025-06-06T05:28:20Z")
> [@nelliebly](#): > > These people vote. And drive. And pet bison. 😃 😄 😁 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bear-spray-thread/1019193.md?page=3)