When to Deploy Bear Spray
There is consensus on many things when it comes to bear spray: it should be kept in an easy-to-grab spot, the spray should be aimed downward and in front of the bear, and it is ideal for the bear to run into a wall or cloud of spray. But how close should a bear be when deploying bear spray? A look at dozen different reputable sources in North America shows a range of answers, from 20 feet to 60 feet.
Here are just a few examples of different guidance. When facing a charging bear, deploy spray…
When the bear is 30 feet away.
When the bear is within 20-30 feet. Elsewhere on the same website, it is recommended when the bear is 50-60 feet away.
When the bear is within 30-60 feet.
A warning blast slightly downwards when the bear is 30-50 feet away, and at the bear’s face when it is as close as 13 feet.
So why the difference in distances? It’s important to look at the rationale and instructions provided for the different recommendations. A big piece of rationale comes from the situation, including how far away the bear is, what it’s doing, and how it responds to the spray. It’s also important to note that most bear sprays have a range of about 30-40 feet.
When possible, it makes sense to spray from a greater distance when trying to deter a charging bear, aligning with recommendations closer to 60 feet (the length of a bowling lane). Even though bear spray will not reach 60 feet, that distance gives a person time to deploy the spray and for the spray to form a wall that a charging bear will run into about 30-40 feet away (the typical range of the spray).
Spraying from a further distance also allows space and time for a second spray to be deployed if the bear continues to advance. If bear spray is used when the bear is too close, the spray will not have time to spread into a wall—the ideal situation. That doesn’t mean it’s useless; it can be sprayed directly into a bear’s face at close range (hence any recommendations below 20 feet).
If the bear spray is deployed too soon, when a bear is more than 60 feet away, the wall of spray will disperse before the bear even reaches it. Spraying when the bear is 20-30 feet away, as some organizations recommend, ensures that the bear is within direct range of the spray.
In the best case, people would see a bear when it is more than 60 feet away, have time to ready their bear spray, determine if the bear is aggressive or charging, and if it is, deploy their first spray when the bear is 30-60 feet away. The bear would likely stop after running into the cloud. If it did not, they would be able to spray again. However, few situations are best case scenarios. If the encounter is at close range, bear spray is still an effective deterrent. If the bear is less than 20 feet away, in addition to spraying directly in the bear’s face, the individual should be ready to fall to the ground in a protective position.
Measuring distances is likely not top of mind when faced with a charging bear. But in any scenario, when faced with a charging bear, bear spray is a very effective tool. Ensuring you are confident in your knowledge of how to react to a bear encounter and how to use bear spray will help you stay calm and use bear spray in the most effective way.
Before spending time in bear country, it is always a good idea to review bear spray and bear encounter guidelines. Wildlife organizations and agencies, including People and Carnivores, often host bear spray trainings and bear safety presentations. Keep an eye out for these events in your area. Otherwise, consider buying your own training can of bear spray to practice.
