Posts Tagged ‘bear pepper spray’

Is Environment-Safe Bear Pepper Spray an Oxymoron?

Anybody who’s aware of the consequences knows that it’s best not to mess with Nature.  It either bites back in the end or you get environmentalists and animal rights activists banging on your door.  So if the thought of using a bear pepper spray leaves you hesitant and wary, relax.  There is such thing as an environment-safe bear pepper spray – and that’s not just an oxymoron.

How can something so irritating be environment-safe?
One of the top bear pepper sprays in the market today is Guard Alaska.  It is the only bear pepper spray available in the market that has been registered with the Environment Protection Agency or EPA as repellant for all bear species.  This wide range of efficacy means that it is the safest and most reliable bear pepper spray that people can use outdoors.

The formula contained in this bear pepper spray product has been deemed environment-safe because it has eliminated substances that are flammable and known to deplete the ozone layer.  This is a huge improvement from other brands of bear pepper spray that use aerosol propellants that can harm the environment.

Does it work?
Bear pepper sprays are especially formulated to work against bears.  The substance in the pepper spray, known as Oleoresin Capsicum, works as an irritant on the bear, causing temporary discomfort and inflammation in its nostrils, mouth, throat and eyes.  Bear pepper sprays are non-lethal and its effects are only temporary.  However, they are often enough to stun the bear, confuse it or irritate it to such point that it will cease its attack or back off.  By discouraging a bear from attacking, both the intended victim and the bear are saved from further physical harm.

Bear pepper sprays are often packaged in slightly larger canisters than those used for personal self-defense.  The pepper spray formulation used with Guard Alaska is also stronger at 20% concentration to allow for maximum efficacy against an aggressive, full-grown bear.  The bear pepper spray was also designed specifically for increased range, so the user can spray an attacking bear from a safe distance.

Is it safe for bears?
Guard Alaska bear pepper spray is no more lethal to a bear than a personal pepper spray is to a full-grown human.  It will not knock a bear out but it will cause momentary discomfort and some pain so the bear stops in its tracks.

Bear pepper sprays are considered a relatively humane way of stopping an animal from attacking.  Without these tools, a human about to be subjected to physical harm usually has no choice but to fight back, either by hitting or shooting the aggressive bear.  A bear spray is still a much better alternative, allowing people to enjoy the outdoors and keep themselves safe while ensuring that no bears get hurt permanently.