Bear Pepper Spray

Guard Alaska is the only bear pepper spray registered with the EPA as a repellent for all species of bear — grizzly, black, and polar. That distinction matters because not all bear sprays meet EPA registration requirements, and Guard Alaska earned it through six years of field testing in Alaska and endorsement by the Alaska Science & Technology Foundation.

The 9-ounce canister delivers a 20% OC, 1.34 capsaicinoid formula in a power fogger design that empties in 9 seconds and expands into a cloud at 15–20 feet — wide enough that precise aim under pressure isn't required. A nylon holster with belt loop is included so it's on your hip, not buried in a pack, when you need it.

Guard Alaska Bear Mace Features and Specs

• EPA-registered for all bear species: The only bear spray with this designation — tested and proven on grizzly, black, and polar bears
• 20% OC, 1.34 capsaicinoids: Maximum-strength formula endorsed by the Alaska Science & Technology Foundation
• 15–20 foot range: Power fogger design expands into a cloud — effective coverage without precision aiming
• Empties in 9 seconds: Full canister deployment creates a sustained barrier between you and the bear
• Works on wet bears: Carrier formula has a specific gravity heavier than water — effective even when the bear is wet
• Safety cap and finger loop handle: Cap prevents accidental discharge; loop keeps the canister in hand during deployment
• Environmentally safe: No flammable or ozone-depleting substances
• Free nylon holster with belt loop included
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 2.5" x 2"

Carry it on your belt, not your pack. The most common mistake in bear country is storing spray where it takes more than two seconds to access — by the time a bear is charging, there's no time to open a zipper. The included holster keeps Guard Alaska on your hip and the finger loop keeps it in your hand the moment you pull it. Point at the bear's face when it's within 20 feet, press the actuator, and hold — the expanding cloud does the work even if your aim isn't perfect under pressure.

EPA Registered Bear Spray — What That Means

EPA registration for bear spray isn't automatic — it requires demonstrated effectiveness data and specific formulation standards. Guard Alaska is the only spray registered by the EPA as a repellent for all species of bear, not just one. That's the result of six years of field testing in Alaska across multiple bear species and environments. Competing sprays may carry general pepper spray EPA numbers; Guard Alaska's registration is specific to bear deterrence.

If you're hiking in a national park or area that requires EPA-registered bear spray, this canister meets that requirement. For general bear country hiking where any effective spray is acceptable, the all-species registration and Alaska field testing record make this the strongest documented choice available.

Does pepper spray work on bears?

Yes — bear pepper spray is consistently shown to be one of the most effective deterrents for bear attacks, more reliable in most studies than firearms for stopping a charge without injury to the bear or the person. The key is using a spray specifically formulated for bears, not human self-defense pepper spray. Bear spray uses a higher OC concentration and a wider fogger delivery pattern designed to create a cloud barrier at range rather than a targeted stream. Guard Alaska's 20% OC formula at 15–20 feet gives you a deterrent zone wide enough that a charging bear runs into the cloud rather than requiring you to hit a moving target under stress.

What is bear mace and how is it different from regular pepper spray?

Bear mace is the common name for bear pepper spray — a high-concentration OC formula in a large-canister fogger designed specifically for bear deterrence. It differs from human pepper spray in three ways: higher OC concentration (Guard Alaska uses 20% vs. 1–2% in most personal defense sprays), larger canister size for sustained deployment, and a wide fog or cloud delivery pattern rather than a stream. Human pepper spray is not an appropriate substitute — the concentration and delivery pattern aren't designed for an animal the size and charge speed of a bear. EPA-registered bear sprays like Guard Alaska meet specific minimum requirements for concentration and range that personal defense sprays don't.