Expert Advice on using Bear Spray

When deploying bear spray, aim slightly down and toward the approaching bear;

the tendency is to aim high, which could allow the bear to run under the cloud of spray.

Bear can run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Spray quickly enough so the bear,will run into the bear pepper spray cloud

and has time to react to the product. If possible, spray when a charging bear is still 30 to 40 feet away.

Each hiker/user should carry his or her own bear spray.

You may meet more than one bear, or if you're part of a group and only one person is carrying spray, it would be very unfortunate if that person was too far away to help when a bear threatened another hiker.

Have your bear spray located where it is quickly available.

A holster attached to your belt or backpack where you can reach it quickly (not buried in your pack). Bear are fast and can be upon you quickly if you find yourself between Mom and her cubs.