Post by Steve Sutton on Mar 29, 2010 10:37:51 GMT -5
The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee stresses the importance of following proper bear avoidance safety techniques and recommends bear spray as an effective tool for personal safety in bear country.
Bear spray has the potential to reduce human injuries and the number of bears that are killed as a result of conflicts with humans.
A side benefit of bear spray is the sudden, loud hiss of the spray and the billowing orange cloud. This commotion is sometimes enough to startle and repel a bear before it ever encounters the burning spray. The active ingredient in bear spray is an extremely strong irritant that turns the tables on an aggressive bear.
IGBC bear spray recommendations can be found on the IGBC Web site, or go to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Web site at fwp.mt.gov . Click Be Bear Aware.
SIDEBAR
When and where to use bear spray:
Bear spray should only be used as a deterrent in a confrontation with an aggressive bear. Sightings and encounters with bears do not generally result in conflicts or bear aggression.
Bear spray is only effective when used as an airborne deterrent sprayed as a cloud at an animal at close range. It should not be applied to people, tents, packs, other equipment or to the surrounding area as a repellent.
Each person should carry a can of bear spray when working or recreating in bear habitat.
Spray should be carried in a quick, accessible fashion such as in a hip or chest holster.
In your tent, keep bear spray readily available next to your flashlight and a can available in your cooking area.
Bear spray should be tested once a year. Do not test spray in or near a camping area, or on clothing or equipment. Be sure to check the expiration date on your can of bear spray.
How to use bear spray:
Always take the time to practice with bear spray in advance of recreating or working outdoors.
When confronting an aggressive bear, remove the safety clip.
If the bear approaches within 30 feet, aim slightly down and in front of the approaching bear. If necessary, adjust for cross winds.
Spray again if the bear continues to approach.
Once the animal has retreated or is busy cleaning itself, leave the area as quickly as possible (don't run) or go to an immediate area of safety, such as a car or building. Do not chase or pursue the animal.
Bear spray has the potential to reduce human injuries and the number of bears that are killed as a result of conflicts with humans.
A side benefit of bear spray is the sudden, loud hiss of the spray and the billowing orange cloud. This commotion is sometimes enough to startle and repel a bear before it ever encounters the burning spray. The active ingredient in bear spray is an extremely strong irritant that turns the tables on an aggressive bear.
IGBC bear spray recommendations can be found on the IGBC Web site, or go to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Web site at fwp.mt.gov . Click Be Bear Aware.
SIDEBAR
When and where to use bear spray:
Bear spray should only be used as a deterrent in a confrontation with an aggressive bear. Sightings and encounters with bears do not generally result in conflicts or bear aggression.
Bear spray is only effective when used as an airborne deterrent sprayed as a cloud at an animal at close range. It should not be applied to people, tents, packs, other equipment or to the surrounding area as a repellent.
Each person should carry a can of bear spray when working or recreating in bear habitat.
Spray should be carried in a quick, accessible fashion such as in a hip or chest holster.
In your tent, keep bear spray readily available next to your flashlight and a can available in your cooking area.
Bear spray should be tested once a year. Do not test spray in or near a camping area, or on clothing or equipment. Be sure to check the expiration date on your can of bear spray.
How to use bear spray:
Always take the time to practice with bear spray in advance of recreating or working outdoors.
When confronting an aggressive bear, remove the safety clip.
If the bear approaches within 30 feet, aim slightly down and in front of the approaching bear. If necessary, adjust for cross winds.
Spray again if the bear continues to approach.
Once the animal has retreated or is busy cleaning itself, leave the area as quickly as possible (don't run) or go to an immediate area of safety, such as a car or building. Do not chase or pursue the animal.