The eyes, nose and lungs will all burn like fire, causing the mucous membrane tissues to swell. A face hit almost guarantees temporary blindness and big-time breathing problems. But the good news is that the sting will eventually subside and by that time, either you or the bear are long gone.
Contents are under pressure: Spray comes out at more than 70 mph and could cause permanent eye damage.
In studies of close human-bear encounters conducted by the University of Calgary's grizzly bear expert Stephen Herrero, bear pepper spray was found to be 94% effective in deterring aggressive grizzly bears.
The short answer is yes—bear spray does protect you from bears. A study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management found that bear spray is effective at stopping aggressive bears more than 90 percent of the time.
We found that bear spray was an effective deterrent in close-range encounters with polar bears, stopping undesirable behavior in 18 of 19 incidents. Bear spray effectively deterred both curious and aggressive polar bears, including polar bears attempting to attack people.
Bear spray works equally effectively on mountain lions. PEOPLE HAVE FENDED OFF MOUNTAIN LIONS WITH STICKS, ROCKS, EVEN A PEN.
Bear spray is a non-lethal bear deterrent. Its active ingredients, Capsaicin and related Capsaicinoids, cause a bear irritation and an inflammatory response in its mouth, nose, eyes, nasal passage, throat, and lungs and obstructs the bear from being able to inhale and exhale deeply to support its charge.
Contact through touching or rubbing eyes may result in substantial but temporary eye injury. Strongly irritating to nose and skin. Avoid contact with skin or clothing.” An EPA spokesperson said the agency isn't aware of any human deaths from bear repellents and has only two bear-spray incidents in its database.
A charging bear within 60 feet: Bear spray has a high success rate of stopping charging bears before contact when the bear spray is deployed when the charging bear is just within 60 feet.
Capsaicin is the chemical that makes hot peppers hot and bear spray is made from concentrated capsaicin. So where a habanero might top out around 300,000 Scoville heat units — a measurement for spiciness — bear spray is more like 2 million. On the skin, it feels like terrible sunburn.
Firearms are not recommended for stopping an attack. Using a firearm during a bear attack may only worsen the attack. An injured bear will be more aggressive, especially during a fight.
Bear spray is actually considered a weapon according to the park's regulations. According to Yosemite's official website: “the possession, use, or discharge of pepper spray (including bear spray), pellet guns, and BB guns in Yosemite National Park is prohibited.”
When the bear charges you, hold your ground and stay calm. After the bear charges, slowly retreat while keeping an eye on the bear. Let the bear know that you're a human, and that you aren't a threat. Continue to speak to the bear in a calm voice and make it clear that you are a human.
Bear spray is stronger than pepper spray and should only be used against charging bears. The oleoresin capsaicin concentration is typically higher in bear spray. Some pepper sprays come out as a stream, whereas bear spray comes out as a cone-like cloud.
Neither he nor the Ely researchers have ever seen or heard of a bear becoming more aggressive after being sprayed. Further, bears remember the hand motion that precedes spraying.
Bear spray is non-toxic, but it is painful stuff, which is why, as a bear deterrent, it has saved people's lives. The painful effects of the chemicals wear off after about 15 to 45 minutes, but minor effects can last 2 hours.
Once you've determined the bear is one you want to harvest, let the bear settle down at the bait site. Regardless of your choice of weapon--bow, rifle, handgun or muzzleloader--the most effective shot will be into the heart/lung area. Consider the bullet or arrow's angle of entry.
Bear Spray IS Effective
Bear spray stopped black bears' undesirable behavior 90% of the time, according to “Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska” (Smith et al., 2010).
Premium magnum slugs are probably your best bet for stopping a charging bear. A shotgun with a short barrel and a long magazine works best for bear defense.
No deterrent is 100% effective, but compared to all others, including firearms, proper use of bear spray has proven to be the best method for fending off threatening and attacking bears, and for preventing injury to the person and animal involved.
Don't worry, the bear spray will not permanently harm the animal, but it will allow you enough time to leave the area. Once you discharge your bear spray back away from the area. Don't run but be sure to leave the area to get away from the spray and animal.
It's a wonderful defense against mountain lions (also known as cougars, pumas, or panthers). They, like all cats, have extremely sensitive noses and don't like having them abused. So, they'll respond swiftly to a dose of pepper spray, meaning they'll almost always beat a hasty retreat.
Bears also dislike the strong scent of pine-based cleaners, but avoid using anything with a fresh, lemony or fruity smell. And never mix bleach and ammonia; the combination produces fumes that can be deadly to both people and bears.
Bears usually run from a dog because most bears have learned to associate dogs with people. However, a dog off leash may chase and harass the bear causing the bear to get angry and chase the dog. When dogs get scared they may run to their owner.