Hey there, outdoor adventurers! Let’s chat about a super important tool for anyone heading into bear country – bear spray. It’s like a safety superhero in a can, specifically designed to help you out if you encounter an aggressive bear. Pretty cool, but do you actually need it? I’ve got the full scoop on whether or not it’s a necessity when traveling in Alaska and just how to use it if you must.
NOTE: the opinions and safety information shared in this article are just that, my learned opinions from years of outdoors experience in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Washington and more. Ultimately safety precautions are up to individual people and they must do what they feel is safest for themselves and their traveling party.
What is Bear Spray and Should I have It
So, what’s the deal with bear spray? Well, it’s a non-lethal aerosol that creates a big cloud of capsaicin – you know, the stuff that makes chili peppers spicy. When a bear gets a whiff of this, it irritates their eyes, nose, and lungs. And FYI, the same thing happens to humans (I know from experience). Don’t worry, it’s temporary! But it gives you enough time to back away safely if a bear’s getting too close for comfort. It’s especially handy when a bear’s feeling threatened or startled.
Using bear spray responsibly is a win-win. It’s super effective at keeping bears at bay without causing any long-term harm to them or the environment. How great is that? But here’s the thing – knowing how to use it properly is key. It’s not just about having it; it’s about knowing its ins and outs.
While this sounds painful and not wildlife friendly, it’s far better to use it and both you and the bear be safe than for a bear to be captured and killed because of its interactions with humans. Bear spray serves a good purpose.
Do I actually need bear spray in Alaska?
Well, that depends on where you’re going and how responsible of an outdoors person you are. Bear spray is absolutely helpful and can save your life, but do you need it? Probably not. Most people visiting Alaska are going places with lots of other humans around. True, bears have free reign and can go wherever people can, but they like to keep their distance from humans.
If you plan to do a bit of remote hiking or fishing, bear spray would be a smart thing to keep on your person. I have NEVER had to discharge it either while hiking or fishing, despite coming in close contact with bears, but it’s a safety tool that’s nice to have. For anyone planning to go off-trail hiking in Denali National Park, it could be a good idea to have on hand.
For the standard visitor or for anyone who’s NOT planning on going out into the wilderness on their own, YOU DO NOT NEED BEAR SPRAY WHEN YOU VISIT ALASKA. Remember to evaluate your own wilderness skills, knowledge, experience and travel plans when making a decision to have it with you or not.
How to Use Bear Spray Effectively
These tips are for anyone who feels that they do need to have bear spray when they’re traveling in Alaska or anywhere else. Remember, this is a safety tool and NOT a toy. It is dangerous and painful, but can be an effective deterrent in a dangerous wildlife situation.
- Practice! Before you head out, get familiar with how to use the spray. Some outdoor stores have practice cans with harmless ingredients. It’s like a little training session to get you ready for the real deal, which you likely will not actually need.
- Keep it handy. Your bear spray should be as easy to reach as your water bottle. Pop it in a holster on your belt or backpack strap if you’re heading out into the wilderness. Trust me, you don’t want to be digging through your pack when you need it most, but it should also NOT BE ACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN.
- Watch the wind! This one’s important. When you’re using the spray, check which way the wind’s blowing. You definitely don’t want it blowing back in your face – that would be a bummer! Aim downward and towards the bear if you can.
- Know your range. Bear spray works best when the bear is about 10 to 30 feet away. Too far or too close, and it might not work as well. It’s like the Goldilocks zone of effectiveness. Again, you’ll likely not be in a situation where you’ll need it, but you do need to remain calm and keep the distance factor in mind if you’re using it.
- Stand your ground. I know it’s scary, but if a bear charges, try not to run. Running might make the bear think you’re prey. Instead, stand tall, get the bear spray ready, and aim right at the bear as it comes closer.
To reiterate, hopefully you’ll never actually need to use the bear spray, and in my 25 years of outdoor adventures on my own and with groups I’ve never needed it once. I have come within 20 feet of bears accidentally several times and not once have I felt the need to use my bear spray.
Can I fly on a plane with Bear Spray?
Now, here’s a heads up for all you prepared packers out there. If you’re flying to your outdoor adventures in Alaska, you can’t bring bear spray on the plane. The FAA says it’s a no-go in both carry-on and checked bags because of all that capsaicin. But don’t worry, if you’re heading to bear country, you can usually find outdoor stores or even some airports near national parks that rent or sell bear spray. Just make sure to double-check with your airline and airport for the latest rules on anything similar to bear spray.
How to Get Bear Spray in Alaska
As I mentioned, you can usually buy or rent bear spray once you’re on-location in Alaska (or Montana or wherever). Outdoor stores usually carry it, and if you’re flying into Anchorage, you’ll have LOTS of options. If you’re going on group tours or guided hikes, chances are that your guides will already have bear spray and will be well versed in how to use it. We did a lot of bushwhacking in Southeast Alaska with UnCruise Adventures and each expedition guide was equipped and trained on how to use it, although none of them had ever had to.
Should you want to buy your own bear spray, which is appropriate if you’re going to be in Alaska for a while or if you’re driving your own vehicle up to AK from the Lower 48, you can order it in advance from Amazon or other outdoor vendors.
Remember, using bear spray responsibly is all about keeping both you and our furry forest friends safe. It’s a tool that can make a huge difference if you ever find yourself face-to-face with a bear, but it likely won’t be needed. It’s way more effective than other self-defense methods and doesn’t harm the bear long-term, but ultimately keeping a good distance from a bear is ALWAYS the best way to keep both you and the bear safe.
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about bear spray in a nutshell. Stay safe out there, have a blast exploring, and remember – respect the bears and their home. If you have any other questions about bear spray, wilderness exploring in Alaska, or need help making an Alaska road trip plan, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to help!
