In recent studies done in the wilds of alaska, the effectiveness of bear spray in repelling a bear attack showed that in all reported cases bear pepper spray proved to be nearly 100 percent effective. In comparison the use of firearms to repell an attack resulted in injury 50 percent of the time, with several direct shots needed to stop the bear.

Bears are naturally deterred by the orange cloud caused when you discharge a can of bear spray in front of a charging bear. The pepper penetrates the mucus membranes of the animals eyes causing it to turn and retreat quickly. The spray discharges at approximately 70 mph making it effective to use at long distances.

In contrast a person’s chances of incurring serious injury doubles when bullets are fired versus when bear spray is used. It is noted that proper awareness of typical bear behavior is the key to avoiding potential attacks. Avoiding contact and recognizing signs that a bear may be present along with understanding bear behavior, like bluff charges, are the best ways of escaping injury. 

When faced with a charging bear, spray your bear spray in a wide sweeping motion to create a cloud barrier between you and the charging animal. While avoidance is the most effective way to deal with a bear encounter, it is proven time and again that bear pepper spray saves lives.