Adventure By Nature

How to use bear spray.

Whether it is Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) or other authorized suppliers of bear spray, the application of the spray remains identical.

Identify the protective clip that prevents accidental discharge of the bear spray
To discharge the bear spray, remove the clip from the trigger by simply slipping it off towards you while aiming the away from you
Proceed to press on the trigger at one-second bursts until the intruder backs away and/or leaves

*It is important to note that you should not use the bear spray if there is wind blowing at you as you will be bear spraying yourself!

*Bear spray should be your last resort after all attempts at deterring a bear attack has been exhausted.

*Before you begin your hike, please ensure that the bear spray is in a location that is easily accessible (i.e. within a holster).

*Ensure that your bear spray (if it is not new) is not expired.

BEtter Yet: AVoiding Bear Encounters

We can all agree on the fact that viewing a bear from the safety of a car is a lot better than encountering one while on a trail. Based on experts and personal experience, here are the following tips to avoid coming into hugging distance of one of these teddies:

Every so often make some noise, I personally shout "Heyyyyyy Theeerreee", but if you are with a group of people, talking will do just fine!
The efficacy of bear bells have always been in question and from my personal experience, I've only encountered bears on the trail while wearing a bear bell. This does not mean the bells attract bears as it is still a device that ensures that your presence is known. No surprises!
Packing foods in a container that is bear proof seems to be common sense.
Packing garbage into a container that is bear proof also seems to be common sense.
Stay clear of dead wildlife
Obey all closures and warnings (use trails at own risk)
Never leave cooking utensils in unsecured areas of campground (i.e. place them in car)

*All wildlife is dangerous, not just bears. Several species live within the Canadian wilderness, please be respectful of their habitat. After all, you're in BEAR COUNTRY.

Is it a black bear or a grizzly bear?

Having trouble figuring out whether there is a black bear or a grizzly bear in front of you? Easy, one is black and the other is brown! But in all honesty, it could be hard to tell for those who don't encounter these majestic animals often.

Here are some fun facts about bears:

Don't let the size of the bear fool you, they can run up to 60 km/hr
Bears are strong swimmers
Bears have tremendous eyesight, hearing and an acute sense of smell
All black bears and young grizzlies are agile tree climbers
Mature grizzlies evolve into poor climbers, but can reach heights of up to 4 meters
If a bear is standing up, it is trying to identify you; talk softly so it knows you are there but do not make direct eye contact with it

Grizzly Attacks From Surprise (defensive)

Do nothing to threaten or further arouse the bear.
Play dead. Assume the 'cannonball position' with hands clasped behind neck and face buried in knees.
Do not move until the bear leaves the area. Such attacks seldom last beyond a few minutes.

Black Bear Attacks From Surprise (defensive)

Playing dead is not appropriate. Try to retreat from the attack.

Grizzly or Black Bear Attacks Offensively (including stalking you or when you are sleeping)

Do not play dead.
Try to escape to a secure place (car or building) or climb a tree unless it is a black bear.
If you have no other option, try to intimidate the bear with deterrents or weapons such as tree branches or rocks.

Grizzly or Black Bear Attacking For Your Food

Abandon the food. Leave the area.
Do not deal with a problem bear unless it is an emergency.

*Your response depends on the species and whether the bear is being defensive or offensive. Bears sometimes bluff their way out of a confrontation by charging then turning away at the last moment. Generally, the response is to do nothing to threaten or further arouse the bear. While fighting back usually increases the intensity of an attack, it may cause the bear to leave.

a bear problem

A Black Bear:

Can come in the colours black, cinnamon or blond
Can weigh from 57 kg to over 270 kg
They have straight-faced profile, short and curved claws and no shoulder hump
They prefer forested areas with low-growing plants and berry-producing shrubs (e.g. small forest openings, stream or lake edges, open forest)

A Grizzly Bear:

Can come in the colours black, brown or blond
Can weigh from 200 kg to 450 kg
They have dished or concave faces that are long, curved claws and a prominent shoulder hump
They prefer semi-open spaces in the high country in late summer and early fall, whereas they are usually found in valley bottoms during late fall and spring