Posts Tagged ‘bear spray’

Bear Spray Vs. Dogs: How Effective Is It?

If only a can of bear spray stands before you and a live, 7-foot tall bear, then you know that there’s a good chance you can come out of the woods alive.  Bear sprays can be effective deterrents against bear attacks and are in fact recommended by many survival experts.  They are also non-lethal self-defense tools so they can be used safely against bears without fear of permanently harming them.  But is bear spray also effective against other animals that might attack, such as dogs?  Or does it contain a stronger formulation that might prove lethal against smaller animals including those that belong to the canine family?  We find out.

What’s in your bear spray?
Bear spray contains a chemical known as OC, which stands for Oleoresin Capsicum.  This is a compound that has irritants and inflammatory ingredients that affect the mucous membranes, such as those found in the eyes, throat and nose.  This causes tears, coughing, gagging, a runny nose and extreme discomfort.  If the substance reaches the eye area, it can even cause temporary blindness.

It is this substance that makes pepper spray a favorite not just for self-defense but also for controlling unruly crowds and preventing an animal attack.  In fact, people who own a can of regular pepper spray may even use it against an attacking animal (be it a bear, a dog or some other wild creature) to protect themselves.

Is it safe to use?
Bear sprays contain the same kind of substance found in pepper sprays.  OC is the irritant found in peppers, which belongs to a family of plants known as capsicum.  By grinding the pepper, capsaicin is obtained, which is then mixed with a natural solvent.  Once the solvent has evaported, a thick, waxy resin is left behind.  This is the oleoresin capsicum, which is then mixed with an emulsifier so it can be turned into a liquid spray.

While highly irritating due to its content, bear sprays are considered non-lethal.  They can stop an attacking bear and distract him by causing irritation and inflammation.  However, the effects are only temporary and will wear out completely in about 5 to 15 minutes.

Although slightly stronger in formulation, bear sprays are also effective on dogs.  They should not, however, be considered an alternative if you only intend to use pepper spray as a deterrent against aggressive dogs.  Bear sprays come with a slightly different formulation than that which is specifically used against dogs.  To ensure that you are safely and effectively protected, make sure to purchase the appropriate formula.

Know the Different Types of Animal Control Gadgets

Animal control can be quite challenging, particularly in areas where wildlife populations are largely unrestricted.  If marauding animals are gradually taking over and destroying your property, there are certain animal control gadgets you can use.  Here are several types you might want to consider:

Blow guns
Blow guns are very simple weapons used for animal control.  They are widely used for hunting and are also often used in zoos and wildlife parks to shoot tranquilizer darts at larger animals.

Blow guns are primitive in design but they are quite effective for use if you intend to restrict the presence of animals in your backyard. They’re legal to use in the U.S., although certain restrictions apply in other countries.

Sling shots
Generations of young boys (and even girls) will swear at the efficacy of sling shots when it comes to scaring away small to medium-sized animals.  Sling shots are inexpensive and can easily be built using simple materials.

Sling shots function as catapults, with a pellet, steel ball or pebble loaded as the projectile.  The sling shot, when used with enough force at a sufficient distance, can be a deadly weapon, especially when used with birds and small animals.  When used skillfully, sling shots can be very efficient gadgets for animal control.

Bear spray
An encounter with a bear can be deadly, particularly if you’re unprepared.  An effective animal control gadget to use is the bear spray.  Bear spray contains a chemical substance called oleoresin capsicum which is extracted from pepper or chilli.  When sprayed directly on the bear’s face, eyes or nose, the oily liquid can cause extreme discomfort, nausea, choking, runny nose and tearing up.

A bottle of bear spray is a very effective animal control gadget.  It should be used carefully, though because the user is definitely not immune to its effects.

Dog repeller
A dog repeller is a type of animal control gadget that can come in several forms.  The most popular of these is the electronic dog repellant.  It’s a compact gadget that uses ultrasonic waves to stop an attacking dog in its tracks.  These sounds are easily picked up by dogs, which are capable of hearing sounds at higher frequencies.  It’s harmless to dogs, although it will cause some discomfort to them due to the high frequency sounds.  The sounds are inaudible to human ears and will not hurt or harm the user or any person within proximity.

Dog Repellent Spray image

image credit to sxc.hu

How to Keep Bears Away

Many are encouraged to carry around mace or pepper spray with them for protection. Although you hope that you will never use it, you may simply need to have mace just in case you will need it. However, according to a spokesman for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the spray is only as effective as its user is wise. In other words, some people can indiscriminately spray the pepper spray into the air without a full understanding of what the impacts of the spray are, and what its effects are on people. When the wind turns in the wrong direction, the people who spray it are affected as well.

Pepper sprays are often called bear sprays since they can also keep away bears. Campers are sometimes advised to bring it, but camp rangers also recommend that making noise may also be a good form of prevention. Bears may often avoid humans because of the noise that humans make. However, pepper spray or not, it will never be advisable to approach a bear or put oneself at risk. Experts also warn people with pepper sprays never to take risks with bears simply because one has the spray to potentially protect oneself. Any approach by humans is seen by bears as aggression, and they will respond accordingly.

Moreover, bears will usually approach humans and other animals when they are looking for food. It is in these moments of foraging that humans and bears may be placed at their closest proximity, and it is these moments where people must be extra careful and exercise preventive measures. For instance, campers are cautioned to keep their camping spot free from trash and food in order to keep bears from wandering in. If a bear is found already going through food stores, ice chests, and other places where food is stored, campers are always advised never to approach the bear or try to save the food – food, after all, can be replaced.

As mentioned earlier, noise is a good way to keep out bears, and campers are advised to make noise whenever they go out of their tents or trailers. This can also be applicable especially where bears hide behind trees, waiting to get food. Bear spray may find its use in a sudden attack, or when a bear is suddenly in the area and the camper is unable to find anything in sight that may help him or her.

bear pepper spray image