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Recipient of 1998 Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee* (IGBC) Stewardship Award for
Research and Development of Bear Pepper Spray

COMPARISON CHART OF BEAR PEPPER SPRAY

Net Weight, % Capsaicin and other Capsaicinoids, Spray Distance and Spray Time as provided above, are taken directly from each product’s EPA approved label

*IGBC: The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee consists of representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey and representatives of the state wildlife agencies of Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming. In the interest of international coordination and cooperation, the Canadian Wildlife Service is also represented.

Click here for Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Position Paper

Click here for a list of EPA approved Bear Sprays.

The EPA requires the concentration of Active Ingredient (capsaicin and related capsaicinoids) range between 1% and 2%. The minimum size can the EPA requires is 7.9 ounces or 225 grams. The EPA requires each registrant to provide spray distance and time of continuous spray for their product and include the information on the label, although the EPA has no established limits.
 

The above chart reflects only bear pepper sprays that meet the minimum distance recommendation
as suggested by bear biologists and wildlife specialists. 

COUNTER ASSAULT Meets or exceeds all Biologists Recommendations!

Why is a Minimum of 25 Feet Important?

• Bears can charge at speeds up to 30+ mph.  They need sufficient time to change from a contact charge to a bluff charge.
• If a bear is going to charge more than once, it creates a barrier zone for the bear to have to reenter.
• CROSS Wind may reduce the distance. If a can is capable of spraying 25 feet, it may be reduced to 15 or 18 feet, but a can that only sprays 18 feet may be reduced to 8 or 9 feet of coverage.

There are many types of ways that bears confront people.  The three most common encounter scenarios where the suggested 25 foot spray range will be most beneficial are:

1. A sudden close encounter and defensive charge from 15-25 feet.
2. A full defensive charge from more than 50 feet away.
3. A gradual continuous approach (curious, predatory or defensive to determine what and who you are).

Why is a Minimum Spray Time of 6 Seconds Important?

• If there is more than one bear, such as mother bear with mature cubs, each one may be charging from different directions.
• More than one bear at a fresh kill site.
• Wind, rain and cold weather.
• More than one charge from a bear.
• More than one encounter.
• Reserve for hiking out.