2008, 2009 Frequently Asked Questions
Q – Are these water based sprays?
A – No
Q – Can I apply bear spray to fruit trees, picnic tables, doors, tents or other inanimate objects to keep bears away?
A – This is not the intended use. Studies have shown that this type of use may even attract bears to the pepper oil in the formulation. Instructions for proper use are on the label. They are only designed and approved to be sprayed, as a last resort, towards attacking bears.
Q - How far do they fire?
A – Spray distance varies and depends on brand, quality of the formulation (active ingredient, carrier, propellant, air content etc.), actuator and canister quality, competency of the manufacturer, temperature, weather conditions, trigger pressure, canister pressure, user experience, nozzle size etc. The approximate visible distance is 15 – 25 feet. The invisible distance of foggers can be up to approximately twice this distance.
Q - How long is the spray time?
A – Spray time varies and depends on brand, quality of the formulation (active ingredient, carrier, propellant, air content etc.), actuator and canister quality, competency of the manufacturer, temperature, trigger pressure, canister pressure, user experience, nozzle size etc. 225 gram canisters fire high volume approximately 8 seconds. 325 gram canisters fire high volume approximately 12 seconds.
Q - Are these streamers or foggers?
A – These are foggers.
Q – What is best – streamers or foggers?
A – Fog spray patterns have a greater respiratory effect. Stream patterns are best suited to applications that require greater pin point accuracy and less respiratory effect. Foggers are best suited for bear protection.
Q - Is bear spray legal?
A – Yes, it is. Capsaicin was first registered in Canada in 1968. Our company has been selling it for over 20 years. These products are regulated by Health Canada and The Pest Control Products Act. It is Health Canada’s goal to prevent unacceptable risks to people and the environment and enable public access to these important life saving tools.
Q – Do all of the PCP registration number holders manufacture their own product?
A – No. Security Equipment Corporation holds their own PCP registration numbers and does their own manufacturing to ISO 9001:2000 certified standards.
Q – Can I spray people?
A – It is unlawful in Canada to sell, advertise or possess (law enforcement personnel excluded) anything for personal protection against human attack. Confusion about this is common because Canadian and American laws are different. We only sell these products for their intended use.
Q - Do criminals use bear spray?
A – Criminals use everything, including illegal pepper spray, mace, tear gas or pepper gas (pepper/mace/tear gas combinations) that they smuggle into Canada from the USA and other countries. Sometimes the culprit substance at a crime scene is falsely reported to be bear spray. Unless a chemical analysis is done or a canister is found at the scene, there is no way of knowing.
Q – Why is there an expiry date on the canisters?
A – Over time the canister may lose pressure, just like any other aerosol canister.
Q – Will these products work on cougars?
A – They have the same effect on all mammals, but they are only approved in Canada for use against attacking bears.
Q - Will these products keep away gophers?
A - There have been reports that these products will keep away pests such as gophers, moles, voles, rabbits, deer, etc., but they are only approved in Canada for use against attacking bears.
Q – Can I apply bear spray to my skin and clothing just like insect repellent?
A – It is only designed to be used to spray attacking bears. Instructions are on the label.
Q – How do I know if the canister is full or empty?
A – When the canister is very light weight and has no pressure, it is probably empty. This can be tested with a quick depression of the actuator trigger.
Q – What effect does bear spray have?
A – It causes pain, tearing, coughing, sneezing etc. by irritating mucus membranes of the eyes and respiratory system.
Q - How hot are they?
A – Capsaicin is the active ingredient. Canada allows bear spray to have a potency of between 0.75% and 1.0% capsaicin. These are 1.0% - the hottest allowed. If the potency is not high enough it may not have the desired effect. If it is too hot it may burn the bear’s mouth and prevent it from feeding. This may lead to death by starvation.
Q – I have heard of sprays that are 10% to 20 % OC. Are these hotter?
A – The active ingredient is capsaicin. This determines the sprays potency. OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) percentage refers to the spray content. A canister can have a high OC content but a low potency due to minimal capsaicin levels.
Q – I have heard of sprays that measure their potency in SHU. Are these hotter?
A – SHU (Scoville Heat Units) is another way to measure potency. Capsaicin percentage is Health Canada’s preferred measurement.
Q - What is capsaicin?
A – It is a derivative of hot pepper plants.
Q - How can I tell if a canister has been used or not?
A – Look into the nozzle. If it is clean it has probably never been fired. If it has been fired, there may be residue inside the nozzle.
Q – Will I make the bear madder if I spray it?
A – These products are designed and approved to be used as a last resort against attacking bears. At this point human survival trumps the bear’s feelings.
Q – I am a hunter, why do I need a bear spray?
A – Many hunters have been mauled. Their guns are not always within arm’s reach when in camp etc. Guns can jam or misfire. A bear spray in a belt holster is readily available within seconds. It has been reported that bears are even attracted to gun shots, because they are conditioned to find food in the form of animal parts that the hunter may leave behind.
Q – What if I miss hitting the bear with my bear spray or I am so frightened that I forget to use it?
A – Every situation and operator is different. There is no guarantee that anything, including a gun, will prevent a bear mauling 100% of the time.
Q – Can I take my spray on an airplane?
A – Check with the airline.
Q – Can bear spray injure me or the bear?
A – Pepper has been used by man for 1000’s of years. Its effects are well documented. A chef experiences similar eye tearing and pain when chopping onions. A fogger spray also has a respiratory effect. A pressure injury to the eye may be possible if a spray is fired too close to the eyeball. Rubbing eyes with contact lenses may cause injury.
Q - What is the medical treatment for exposure?
A – Fresh air and water. If signs and/or symptoms persist, seek medical aid.
Q – I have heard that there is a greater risk of being struck by lightning than being attacked by a bear. Why do I need to be concerned about bear safety?
A – This may be true for dwellers in metropolitan areas. Rural dwellers are more likely to encounter bears. Most bear attacks occur in rural areas.
Q – Has anyone ever saved themselves or others from a bear attack by using bear spray?
A – Yes, the most recent media reports of bear/human encounters are available at Bears in the News.
2008