Bear Safety Part 2: Bear Spray and How to Use it!

This is Part 2 in my series on Bear Safety. In this video I talk about and demonstrate: Bear Spray and How to Use it!
In this video I outline what bear spray is, how to store and handle it, where is it legal, how to prepare for a bear attack and how to discharge a bear canister.
Part 1: Why Bears Attack • Bear Safety Part 1: Be...
Part 3: Noise Deterents for Bears • Bear Safety Part 3: No...
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A book I recommend, ‘Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance by Stephen Herrero’
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Some stories about people I know who have had predatory encounters with black bears.
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Any opinions expressed in this video are mine and mine alone and are not related to my employer or any other organization or individual. I have not been paid to make this video or to endorse a product. If I am ever paid for an endorsement or provided other compensation I will state it clearly in the video. Any advice or demonstration I provide is just advice. The viewer should take responsibility for their own actions, follow any manufacturers warnings and directions and act safely and responsibly when travelling in the backcountry.

[@ElsaRhae]

We’ve been traveling through Wyoming and Montana for the first time and this video couldn’t have come at a better time! I sincerely appreciate both of your recent bear videos. The information is pretty timeless and will help save a lot of humans and bears from harm.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Elsa! I hope the videos in the series help to keep both people and bears safe. 👍🍁

[@megaprimegamer1184]

Are you guys still alive?

[@soxfan182]

@@megaprimegamer1184 it's not looking good fam

[@megaprimegamer1184]

@@soxfan182 Lmao, maybe it’s the signal?

[@Mautiks]

LOL bear spray will keep you safe… Yeah, ok… If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you!

[@NicolasKolossos]

This is how YT-Vids should be. Calm, informative, clear language. Thanks for your effort.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Nicolas, much appreciated!

[@ieuan._.ch4n945]

NicolasKolossos and by a middle aged man who hasn’t exorcised Since high school

[@Radonatos]

@@ieuan._.ch4n945 "exorcised" - from a man who hasn't been to school since he started exercising?

[@ieuan._.ch4n945]

Radonatos I’m saying he doesn’t look like he’s exercised since high school

[@mtntime1]

@@Radonatos , Should we call in a priest?

[@egparis18]

This is the second video of yours about bear safety that I've watched simply because they're interesting and well presented. I live in Paris and the only grizzlies here are bipeds.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thank you very much! Glad you still find this interesting.

[@aidenfielding9709]

Kevin Outdoors same story, I’m from the uk so no bears, but I love the outdoors and find your videos very fascinating and informative

[@ahmedyassinezerhouni5543]

@@Luke-eg1gn Oh gosh I couldn't agree more ! I'm so tired of having to avoid Bastille because of all the bears over there, that shit's dangerous af !! I miss the good ol'days when Paris was only pouplated with humans

[@fioralangust]

Your cyclists are more dangerous than bears in Paris ;)

[@hyperboreanforeskin]

​@@Luke-eg1gntoo much grizzly migration in Europe!

[@thatoneperson9830]

When you showed that teddy bear I laughed

[@KevinOutdoors]

LOL, I laughed too, several times making the video.

[@thatoneperson9830]

@@KevinOutdoors Your videos are great

[@songbird2g2]

😂😂😂😂😂👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@theGoonezone]

I hit the like in this Moment! 😂👍🏼 , thx, great Video,want get to alaska- but live Jears in Austrian Alps! , i watch themoast problem are feeding Problems,.. thx, bye, staye save! 🇦🇹✌🏼

[@davidduhme7780]

to be honest I kinda felt bad about the fact that you're gonna spray him. He looks so damn cute smh. Maybe that's just my inner 10 year old me haha

[@billjaxin]

Great video. What a lot of people don't realize about shooting a charging grizzly is the size of the target. Most of a bear's head is muscle and fur. The brain case is so narrow that if you shoot directly into either eye you'll miss the brain and just blind the bear in one eye. If you're an inch above the centerpoint between the eyes, you're too high. And it's moving. And you're in an adrenaline situation that gives you strength but sacrifices fine motor control. Indigenous hunters have shot grizzlies with 22 long. But those are to the side of the head, in the temple region where the braincase is a bigger target and the bone is thinner. From the front, imagine a deck of cards sitting on its long edge with the narrow edge facing you. Bigger than that of course, but that's the geometry.

[@KevinOutdoors]

That is why I recommend bear spray instead of a firearm. With bear spray all you just spray the area in front of you and there isn't much chance of missing.

[@AndrewFurmanczyk86]

When things with a bear get spicy, you make the bear spicy.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yep, I may use that in the future!

[@Woolfy_420]

🤣🤣🤣

[@marcellamarano9804]

😂

[@dmhq-administration]

And then have spicy egg ramen! 🌶️🥚🍜

[@SC-yx6wr]

ALWAYS CHECK the EXPIRY DATE ON THE CAN of spray. Replace with fresh spray can before going into the bush. I write the expiry dates on my cans with a black Sharpie. Awesome video, thanks for posting. Yes, being in the bush as a team, never alone is a good idea. When i am in the bush near my camp in Killarney Ontario, bear encounters are common, but we usually go in groups of at least three, and each has his own can of spray. Most of the time i spot or smell the bear before the bear even knows we are there. The stalking bears are scary, they will rarely let you see them. Btw, big-game hunters traditionally have a guide with them, and the guide also acts as protection for the hunter (his client) from predators. The guide carries a Guide Gun, usually a small sized rifle in a large caliber with much stopping power. When the game being hunted goes down, some Brown Bears have been know to associate the sound of the kill shot with a dinner bell of sorts, and the guide with his gun would be there as back-up cover for the hunter. Also, if hunting dangerous game, and the hunter missed, which initiates a charge, the guide is at least a second line of defense. In Canada you can apply for a carry permit for restricted weapon (handguns) in remote areas for personal defense (wilderness Carry)if you job takes you into potentially dangerous areas. This law is intended to allow for pistol carry for trappers, prospectors, linesmen, etc. which would be more practical and convenient for these workers than carrying long arms.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks SC!

[@lemonjellobrown3857]

Wo I’m glad you made that clear. I’m that person who would spray it on my Tent believing I’m giving myself extra protection 😬

[@KevinOutdoors]

LOL, well now you know! 😀

[@theGoonezone]

Yea-me2 me2. ,I live since 40 jears in Vienna& want to visite Alaska! , a nice Tip! 👍🏼

[@kennyw871]

In addition, "bear spray" can be used against other animals that mean you harm, such as cougars and mountain lions, when used in a similiar fashion. Great video and never out-of-date, thanks.

[@billgliege98]

I'm a 65 year old male with no past knowledge of bear spray. Circumstances require me to soon head into bear & cougar territory on my own for a few relatively short periods. So fortunate that I found your excellent site Kevin. I watched a few others first but then found yours. It's the best researched and presented by far. Thanks very much as I now feel confident I'll be purchasing the right items, transport safely, be at the ready, and use most effectively. Well done !

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Bill, have a great time wherever you are headed!

[@moein443]

I love that you're educated and showing real studies to prove your point this video was highly informative and would save lives thank you

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DoBeLove]

When the camera turned to the scary stuffed bear I lost it. LMAO! That was awesome. Thanks for the great information.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, Glad you enjoyed it!

[@althompson7314]

Great pair of videos! Glad that you pointed out that firearms are NOT the primary choice for defense! No, I am NOT anti-gun, I have hunted often and own a number of powerful firearms, but would certainly prefer to protect me and mine with a method that is not only more effective, but preserves the life of the bear. In the highly unlikely event that the bear spray fails, I would always have my lever 45/70 to fall back on.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Exactly! You get it Al!

[@JamesthePizzaMan]

I just moved to a small town very deep in the Appalachians. My new neighbors tell me there a LOT of black bears in this area and that bear encounters occur regularly. This is going to be a very different lifestyle for me so I appreciate how informative your video was.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks James!

[@bearlycountry2406]

I live in Bear Valley Springs, CA. My family and I have recently begun hiking, your videos make me feel much more confident about it. Thank you for making these videos.

[@KevinOutdoors]

That is awesome, glad this makes you feel better prepared.

[@wheretonow6172]

i bought a smith and wesson 500 magnum short barrel and i carry it in a chest holster i am in bear country. the chest holster is very comfortable while walking, sitting around a fire pit, standing, etc. if i get nervous, and drop my smith and wesson, i always carry 2 large cans of bear spray too.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Good combination.

[@nadiadima9449]

I live nowhere near bears but your videos are very informative and relaxing. Good job!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@abbykoop5363]

That is the cutest bear ever! Thanks for this video. A few years ago I spoke with someone at an outdoor store and he actually talked me OUT of getting bear spray. He basically said if the bear was close enough to use bear spray I'd likely be killed anyway. All that accomplished was to scare me enough to not go hiking as much. I think I'll find a different place to purchase some.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yes that person was very ill-informed. No deterrent is 100% effective but I have yet to find an incident where bear spray was deployed and a human fatality resulted.

[@nettewilson5926]

Well bear spray isn’t foolproof or a guarantee of safety

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

@@KevinOutdoors Hi Kevin, 6 people in Canada and the US have died since 2016 that deployed bear spray on the attacking bear according to final reports. Several more were seriously injured when the spray failed to stop the attack. I know it's a matter of political correctness to be against firearms for bear defense, but a growing number of people are dying who depended on the spray. This needs to be rationally discussed to prevent further deaths. No, we don't want ill-informed people going around shooting bears over bluff charges and other defensive behaviors. But there needs to be a reckoning on the effectiveness of bear spray as well. Peace, John

[@KevinOutdoors]

@@JohnB-dr8sk Thanks for the comment John, I have been compiling a list and gathering what info I can on all North American bear caused human fatalities going back to 1990. In only two cases that I am aware of was bear spray deployed (Charles Clark in 2021 and Daniel Schilling in 2020). Both men were by themselves at the time and it was unclear to investigators if the spray was deployed before or after the attack. If you have information on other bear caused human fatalities where bear spray was deployed, then please share. This is not political for me I truly want to better understand the dynamics.

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

@@KevinOutdoors Hi Kevin, sure thing. Will start listing the various incidents below. Thanks

[@danthompson1m]

Just an incredibly useful video - much gratitude. I also appreciate your calm, upbeat, fact-based presentation, without any sensationalism. Carry on!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks so much Daniel, much appreciated!

[@ebnftl2272]

Very informative! People have no idea what it’s like to have bear encounter. I personally have had seven. Two did not see me. I was in N. Idaho mountains and about to walk out from the wood into a large meadow. Off in the distance I saw what looked like a ground hog. I realized it was a chocolate brown black bear cub. I waited to see if the mother was around. Sure enough; the mother walked out from some trees near the cub. They never saw me and I just faded back into the woods and left the area. They were too busy grazing to notice me.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Great encounter!

[@BP-jf9nb]

I am amazed at how well this information is presented. Great job !! No fluff , just straight info. I got this in my recommended . Hope you get many more subscribers

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks so much!

[@Woodswalker1965]

Well done demo Kevin. I had no idea about "bear spray containers" it seems like a good idea for transport. Thanks for this series buddy🍻👊

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Wade! I appreciate the kind comments.

[@ronyalemerrill]

I worked in an animal sanctuary in Georgia called Noah’s Ark. we had many black and brown bears. Just watching the babies play was terrifying. You realize how fast and strong they are and that you wouldn’t stand a chance! I hike often and decided to refresh my memory on some safety skills as there have been many black bears around Fort Mountain, Georgia lately! Thanks for the great content. I subscribed!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Welcome Ginger, thanks for watching!

[@ronyalemerrill]

Kevin Outdoors thanks!!!!

[@andrewchristiansen8311]

My only issue with bear spray is its expiration. Alaska is pretty remote where I wanna go. Definitely gonna have it when I can.

[@KevinOutdoors]

It is a good idea to always carry some in bear country. Yes, unfortunately they do expire.

[@zzz7zzz9]

another thing to point out, is that it is only a deterrent as an aerosol. people have sprayed it around the perimeter of their camps, and i've heard of a bush pilot spraying his float pontoons. he came back to his pontoons having been tore up.

[@xavierg8897]

Great job on the video! I usually don’t comment but I’m very happy that you were to the point without a lot of fluff. Very informative thank you!

[@billyhill4937]

The study comparing Firearms to pepper spray was seriously flawed ! I actually took the time to study the entire paper by Stehen Herrero and Tim Smith. There was a particularly glaring error that I picked up on almost immediately. They were using some data involving firearms use from the late 1800's when black powder weapons were still the norm. According to the statistics complied in their study the most common cause for firearms failure to defend a bear attack was the inability to reload. That is no surprise if they were counting incidents from the 1800's using blackpowder or muzzle loading weapons that were prone to failure and often malfunctioned. If they had restricted data to only include modern firearms from the 1980's on , when people started using pepper spray, they would have had a more fair comparison. The other important thing to note was they dug up articles were firearms were actually used in defense from a bear attack. They used data for pepper spray that included many instances where the bear was merely curious or non aggressive. After reading the entire paper I came to a much different conclusion. It seems to me that their study would support that pepper spray was quite successful at scaring off a curious or non aggressive bear, however when the bear was very aggressive and charged pepper spray did NOT stop the attack. They compiled data from over 400 cases where firearms were used for bear defense . Many of those cases were not during the era of modern repeating firearms. They compiled data of only about 70 cases where pepper spray was used for bear defense. Most of those case involved bears that were curious or non aggressive. There were only 3 cases where pepper spray was used against a very aggressive charging bear and in all 3 of those cases the bear charged right through the pepper spray and injured the user. You may not like what I am telling you but if you don't believe me read the WHOLE paper for yourself. It can easily be found online. I looked it up because the summary that pepper spray worked better than firearms didn't make sense to me. I decided to look into it and find out the truth for myself.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for your input. I have not only read completely the papers I show in the video but numerous others as well as Herrero's book and numerous other sources. I am not sure how you are understanding that this data was collected before modern firearms, the oldest data in the paper I cite is from 1985. I stand by the points I made in the video.

[@billyhill4937]

@@KevinOutdoors From the Journal of Wildlife Management. "Efficacy of Firearms for Bear Deterrence " Smith and Herero Page 2 paragraph 3 - Methods ,compilation and study, " We compiled information on bear attacks form readily accessible state and federal records, news paper accounts, books, and anecdotal information that spanned the years from 1883-2009. " There it is. I realized that at least some of the data they used would be irrelevant because it was not limited to modern repeating weapons. When you take that into consideration it is no surprise that they later stated in their study that the most common cause for firearms failure to deter a bear attack, ( according to their compiled data ) was inability to reload. In contrast a study by Dean Weingarten involving the use of handguns for bear defense found that users of modern handguns had a 97% success rate at bear defense. There was only one case out of 37 that could be considered a failure. It appears that person fired 3 shots from a revolver but missed. Please understand sir that I have no issue with you personally or any of your videos. I plan to check even more of them out. My concern is the oft quoted study by Smith and Herrero and their conclusion that pepper spray was more successful at deterring a bear attack. I fear that assumption can give people a false sense of security and some people may get badly injured or worse. God bless and Happy New Year ! ps I like your hat.

[@bryonslatten3147]

Billy Hill for the win!

[@billyhill4937]

@@bryonslatten3147 Thanks for your reply but I'm not trying to win an argument. I'm trying to shed some light on the truth so people don't get hurt packing pepper spray and a false sense of confidence. That being said, if you don't like using firearms then certainly take a can of pepper spray. Pepper spray will work better than a hand full of nothing. When I go out in the bush I usually take both a firearm and pepper spray.

[@bryonslatten3147]

@@billyhill4937 yeah I thought you hit the nail when calling out the lack of "bear mindset" in the study data. Spraying a bear that is just curious is very different from spraying a bear that is intent on doing harm. Lumping those two data sets together is a big mistake.

[@mara3842]

This is amazing. The most comprehensive and helpful bear videos I've ever come across. Thank you again.

[@KevinOutdoors]

thank you.

[@NiagaraRMT]

Great video.... I am going hiking around Jasper, Alberta next weekend and found that not only the how to information, but the study and efficacy information very interesting and reassuring!! Thanks for sharing!! Keep up the great content

[@KevinOutdoors]

Have a great hike, Jasper is awesome!

[@DHendo214]

Im glad he mentioned not to spray it on objects around your tent in attempts to keep bears away. I was thinking that would be a good idea to cause a bad smell that the bears would stay away from.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Actually they are quite intelligent and have a great sense of smell so they might find the scent interesting and investigate.

[@jaxton7280]

I used to work at cabelas and people would buy the spray all the time, when I first started there I was surprised so many people bought it considering it’s $79 price tag. But people were very confident in their purchase. A lot of people just said they refused to go into the wilderness without it. All in all over time so many peoples stories and reasoning convinced me that it’s absolutely worth the hefty $79 even if you never have to use it.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Exactly, it could save your life.

[@egay86292]

it's a ripoff, but better a wallet ripped off than an arm? Chinese bear spray 24 bucks plus shipping on Ibo---but how can you be sure the bear is Chinese?

[@EionB2]

I live in an area with Black Bears in it, these videos have given me valuable information. Thank you

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Eion!

[@DumpTrump4TRE45ON]

Alaskan here. I never leave home without bear spray. You have the best spray right there- Counter Assault. My bearspray is always on my belt. I have gone through 4 cans since Spring. A bear has to get kind of close and aggresive for me to use it as well. Like you, I carry 2 cans.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Great advice, thanks for commenting!

[@RMR1]

Outstanding video. Well-researched, factual with a clear, concise delivery. Best of all, no sensationalistic nonsense (except for the scary bear that was sprayed.)

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thank you kindly!

[@PapaWraiths]

living north ontario.. we have families.. (yes that plural) of bears come through our yard all summer long. some times we don't even use our back yard. city wont do anything about it until someone gets hurt. we have two autistic kids so communicating dangers to them is hard. call the bear wise hotline, they to tell you they can't do anything until the bear attacks someone. it's so frustrating.. we have bear sprays, air horns, all of our neighbors are aware of it to. but until someone dies no official body wants to do something. I don't want to hurt the animals but I have to keep my kids safe. so these videos are very useful to me, thank you. should point out a few years back the MNR sprayed area and killed off all the blueberries and other low brush plant bears need, since then the bears come into the city to feed. but yet, the MNR doesn't understand why the bear pop is moving into the city.... so gawd dam retarded we pay for that logic..

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, the number one issue with bears in urban situations is available food. Bears are attracted by garbage, barbecues, bird feeders, pet food etc. Until all the available food is removed from and area you are going to have problems. Authorities could kill bear after bear but until an area is no longer attractive to them you will have visitors.

[@PapaWraiths]

@@KevinOutdoors yea, I understand that... wish my neighbors did too =\

[@josephfox7952]

REally nice touch with the stuffed bear!! Great video.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@gyopar2002]

Thank you, good explanation. Definitely understand more about bear spray usage.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it was of use.

[@piehound]

Definitely a firearms - related issue. Thanks much. In my younger days i participated in two different canoe trips in bear country. One was in the NY Adirondacks. The second was in the Minnesota Boundary Lakes region. In both groups there were no encounters with bears. My guess is the noises and possibly the smells kept them away. At that time there was no mention of bear spray. And no one carried a firearm to my knowledge. Though i did have a small pocket knife. But now that i'm retired in a budget apartment complex . . . sometimes my neighbors behave like disgruntled bears. Noises from the patter of little feet, booming pick-up trucks, motorcycles, power tool users (me), and simply upstairs folks acting like a herd of buffalo. No need to visit bear country. It's all right here in the middle of a small to mid-size USA city. Did i forget to mention messy and smelly garbage dumpsters ??? . . . and no recycling bins on the property.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Quaz!

[@Vaelias]

I know a man who thought it was a “Bear Repellent” and he sprayed his kids with it before going on a hike, smart man

[@Marlene-c1q]

Current advice is to spray at a slightly downward angle to avoid spraying above the bear's head when they lower to charge, and because the air/wind wafts the cloud upward.

[@nm1978]

this is so great, not only it stops the bear but you don't kill the bear, it amazes me why people don't carry them .

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yes, bear spray is quite effective and very easy to use. I do recommend people practice at lest a little before going out.

[@nm1978]

@@KevinOutdoors some one told me if the bear comes at you fast you won't be able to use it, no time and you can't get it accurately on the bears face. I don't know if it's true.

[@KevinOutdoors]

@@nm1978 There are a lot of people who don't think bear spray works. But, it has been proven to be highly effective and easy to use. The spray is quite strong and makes a large cloud so you don't need to be accurate. That is a big plus if the animal is moving fast.

[@dwinsemius]

Great followup to the video on the facts about bear behavior and attacks.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks David!

[@SonyWilliam]

"Bear spray cannot be used on humans here in Canada." What I heard: "bear spray is perfect weapon against annoying humans."

[@noone-jw4gm]

Aren't bear sprays lethal for a human?

[@daskalbdashupfte]

@@noone-jw4gm No it not. It's basicly just big pepperspray on steroids.

[@thesaucyprophesy2939]

Thanks a lot Kevin, my first time in bear country with my girlfriend and her family this week. I’ve received training on deploying OC spray but wanted to be entirely sure I could competently deploy bear spray, and I’m glad I found your video as there are many glaring differences in how the two are used. Excellent execution on an informative video, little to no unnecessary fluff with very clear and concise instruction. Keep doing your thing man, you’re doing the lords work 💪

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks so much!

[@rcrevel5767]

Facts well stated. useful info for the majority of the average back country users. The data at the end of the video-useful and thought provoking. Also: Keep track of the expiration date.

[@newlife155]

A great video that I will share for sure. Recently in discussing bear spray with a physician he pointed out that we humans have a smell capacity infinately minute compared to bears and that the power of bear spray is amplified many many times when a bear is sprayed and inhales the fumes. So the effectiveness is amplified and the need for intense contact is much deminished.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yes, we can't imagine what a bear can actually smell. They are way better than blood hounds! Some researchers believe that bears actually make mental maps based on smell to navigate.

[@nicholas3354]

My adult niece showed me a video of a black bear on her porch (she was inside, it's a surveillance cam); so I shared this and your other bear safety video with her. I've seen another bear safety video with essentially the same advise, but his statistics were simply made up, and the teaching was not as clear as in your videos. Thanks for making these videos Kevin; they are very well done.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Nicholas, I really appreciate that. I noticed there was a bit of a gap of good videos on this subject.

[@shaunyjimenez9637]

This guy is my quarantine getaway

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks! Glad to hear you like what I am able to produce.

[@shaunyjimenez9637]

@@KevinOutdoors absolutely do! Considering I live in a tropical island clear of any bears😅 it's pretty entertaining and i like the passion

[@stefanschug5490]

Having worked for over 33 years as a biologist in the Canadian wilderness of northern BC, I had my fair share of grizzly, black bear and cougar encounters. I only had to kill one cougar and two black bears in all these years and all happened within distances of less than 5 m. All these attacks happened within split seconds and required frontal shots at fast moving targets. I seriously doubt that bear spray would have done me any good in these sudden situations. Headshots aiming at the nose will make even the biggest bear roll over dead as a stone! You are right though, people that carry guns without adequate marksman training should rather carry bear spray. I have many friends that got mauled by bears and some even lost their lives despite carrying bear spray.

[@KevinOutdoors]

If you have some evidence or documentation of these friends of yours who lost their lives to bears please share a link. I have only found one documented case where someone who discharged bear spray was actually killed by a bear. The person was alone and it is inconclusive if it was discharged properly.

[@stefanschug5490]

​@@KevinOutdoors I knew Michio Hoshino a Japanese photographer who died 1996 in Russia, attacked by a brown bear and I also ran once or twice into Timothy Treadwell a nutcase in my opinion. One German fellow from Heidelberg with whom we met twice on a canoe trip, first in 1993 and then again in 1997, used to fish the Dease River for Northern Pike, Bull Trout and Grayling annually got killed in that same year in September. Since he was not a resident of BC he could not carry a firearm for safety and was relying on a couple of bear spray containers. He still told us about a huge black bear that checked him out closer and closer almost daily. The guy was eaten and found partially buried not even a week after we had tea with him. As Michio in 1996 a young couple visiting Fish Creek in Hyder Alaska was attacked and killed by a Grizzly in their tent whilst sleeping. And you know about the Liard Hot Springs incident of course. My list of injured or almost killed people is naturally much larger. In most cases there was confined space (tent, dense brush) and/or strong winds making bear spray ineffective. Normal hikers do not encounter these conditions as wilderness workers do ( stream & fish inventory, wildlife and ecosystem inventory, timber cruising, silviculture work) and therefore I agree with you that bear spray is the best solution for them. The keen senses of all bear species makes them realize the slightest insecurity and fear they create in humans and I am absolutely sure that just having any defense tool at hand in which you believe will prevent most bear attacks. Two earlier co-workers of mine were always afraid of bear encounters and even small black bears became a problem, consequently they went through a lot of bear spray. During salmon enumeration projects and forestry surveys I had many bears at very close range in my sights but only very few with serious attitude problems had to die. One more thing, most people that carry firearms shoot at bluffing bears and at distances larger than 20 feet. This results often in wounding bears that are then even more dangerous and are more difficult to stop. James Gary Sheldon (Author of Bear Encounter Survival Guide) taught in his bear defense classes to shoot at bears that are closer than 25 m. In my humble opinion that is not only unnecessary but dangerous and results in the bad statistics you presented. In most real attacks you get only time for one shot at very close range (unless you carry a double barrel firearm and even then....) and you have to make your shot count. Best to wait until the bear is almost on top of you. Although that way you do not kill bears that run only bluff charges!

[@user-qf1wr3nu8t]

I work as a geologist currently in far east russia, not too far from alaska, its full of bears everywhere. We keep dogs and they help, but work is often half an hour on foot from the camp, so that track becomes extremely dangerous. Some older geologists make a fire and keep it on during all the shift. Im really enjoying your videos. Next time i go to work as a geologist im going to a hunting shop and buy these things you advice

[@oddassembler]

This was all excellent and in line with what Herrero has said. Well done.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Herrero's book is top notch.

[@sharondease3551]

Thank you for your videos..I plan on going hiking in the mountains and your advice was clear to understand and I feel more easy about it now that i have listened to you.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Have fun!

[@Beadledom2024]

"Better you than me..." Great set of videos.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad you like them!

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Solid video! Thanks for sharing.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, much appreciated.

[@kellybalkom7149]

Thank you for making this video, I'm feeling more confident in what to do if I come across a bear. I didn't know they made a canister to put bear spray in.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Kelly! That is what I was trying to accomplish. I haven't seen another video where they put all these pieces together. I much appreciate the comment!

[@MrAirbleed]

I've live in country that no bear live here, but i still watch this till end. And i don't know if this useful for me.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@Hankusorealius]

Great vid, very balanced. I just wish bear spray had a longer shelf life. Ammo and firearms last decades, sometimes generations.

[@egay86292]

funny how Tapa Tio and Frank's Hot Sauce last 4 years. capitalism sucks.

[@96Shalom]

I live in the UK yet I'm here watching videos on Bear safety

[@KevinOutdoors]

I am getting a lot of views on these bear videos from the UK lately. You guys, I mean 'you lot' must have a group fear of bears or something. ATB! Stay safe!

[@miriamskipworth5189]

Don James I’m sitting here in New Zealand watching bear safety videos too 😁

[@brickmotion6637]

I'm watching from the Netherlands, a country where the largest predator that has been here in recent times was a lone wolf, definitely no bears in sight here, and if there were one, you could see it from a kilometer away. A mile would also work.

[@Retroscoop]

Is there a zoo near your place ? Or a toy store ?

[@perseus9428]

Many Thanks for taking the time to put this together. Very useful.

[@KevinOutdoors]

You're very welcome!

[@ritamae2474]

I saw in another video that you should spray it like you're building a wall between you not necessarily at the best. I'm going to take your advice and go for the face! I'm heading to near country next week camping and hiking on the east coast. Thanks for the information!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Don't bother with a 'wall', just try and get them in the face. If anything you can aim low at the ground in front of the bear because it will move directly into it. The spray will make a large cloud.

[@Jesperoni]

I've never even gone hiking, and here I am watching your videos at 1 am

[@KevinOutdoors]

Well thanks anyway!

[@Wohodix]

well you should

[@MOTOMINING]

Great videos! I'd like to add 2 things. Use a twist lock caribiner for you gear! I had my Garmin Inreach tracker come undone on the one it came with, luckily I found it! I also suggest that you put your bear spray pointing backwards, so the safety can't get knocked off by branches when bush whacking. It happened to me this winter, and I got a shot of it in the gut. I was very lucky I missed the important parts, but it was still 4 1/2 hrs of pain.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Moto.

[@rickgreen9936]

I imagine it works on cougars as well. In the PNW more cougar encounters/sightings than bear even in urban areas. Good video

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hi Rick, yes it would. I have read reports of bear spray being used on cougars.

[@nikolai3620]

The problem with cougars is that if they want a piece of you then you usually wont see them coming.

[@ATravelingAddictSolo]

I was going to ask if you were being stalked by a cougar and not attacked which one wouldn't most likely even see it coming.. would you spray a short burst toward it if it's slowly stalking you to let it know you aren't very tasty or wait until it comes running to make the surprise spray? Of course, this is if you were given the chance to react with a cougar

[@jackiesicilian5720]

Excellent video you covered everything we could know about this or need to know thank you so much

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks so much!

[@JD-uc1es]

Dear Kevin, I saw bear scat in a small forested park in Edmonds WA today and I reported it to the parks department and I went to REI and bought a big bear spray and a bear horn. This park is very popular and many people walk their dogs there. I am terrified! I wish I could take a class to practice this skill!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for the comment. Stay safe!

[@geohost6811]

Great video! Thanks for demystifying bear behavior. I hope I'll never have to use my spray, but it's nice to know how.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@watchwoman16]

Awesome demo. I really enjoyed it. I live in New Jersey so not many bears unless I hike up north!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Watchwoman, glad you found this useful!

[@professorsogol5824]

Actually, there are bears in New Jersey (The following is from a PDF published by New Jersey Dept of Environmental Protection, something between 2006 & 2010): Native to New Jersey, black bears are the largest land mammals in the Garden State. Their prime habitat consists of mixed hardwood forests, dense swamps and forested wetlands. Nearly wiped out a century ago by habitat destruction and indiscriminate killing, black bears today are thriving, particularly in the northwestern area of the state. Their range is expanding south and east, and black bears have been sighted in all of New Jersey’s 21 counties. www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/bearcountry.pdf

[@Pathrissia]

God damn what a clear and elaborative video! Makes me feel good. Thank you for this!

[@KevinOutdoors]

👊

[@jeffreyvasquez3911]

So glad you did bear spray vs a gun. I carry bear spray. Never seen one, but it makes me feel better backpacking.👍

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@celesteorrantia]

Excellent video. I just purchased my first cannister of bear spray for a 5 day hiking trip. I hope I don't have any bear encounter but at least I'm better prepared. Thanks!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Good stuff! Have a great trip!

[@paititi]

Useful information, excellently presented. Thank you!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulapykala9432]

Thanks for the great vid. I'm heading for Northern Ontario next month so it is timely.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful! They aren't out and about just yet but soon.

[@sugaralaska9085]

Excellent advice. Having lived our lives in bear country and hunt for our meat--the last 25 years in grizzly country--I've had to run off three black bears and kill two grizzlies. We've chose not to kill any bear unless we have to and that decision presented nearly 20 years ago. In addition to the knowledgeable advice given here there are two things we do to avoid too much familiarity with bears. The first is both preventative and, hopefully, curative, but it's important to use both versions in their specific condition/circumstance. While in tight country and not hunting an intermittent conversation with varying decibel levels prevents the surprise that can trigger aggression. The, for lack of a better term, curative deviation is used when the bear is known to be present. We want the bear or bears (that's cumulative conundrum for sure) TO KNOW WHERE WE ARE AT ALL TIMES to negate the surprise factor. Also: decibel levels should be steady--no whispering and no screaming. The second thing we practice always whether hunting or in a confrontational situation. Never (reluctant to use the word) look an animal in the eyes; use peripheral vision as much as possible and in the case of bears make sure it--they--know you're looking away. We feel this video should be seen--and acted upon--by anyone in bear country. With reluctance we wrote the foregoing, but considering that it may well save lives, both bear and human, that reluctance is overridden .

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Suze!

[@nextari]

"an intermittent conversation with varying decibel levels prevents the surprise that can trigger aggression." "Also: decibel levels should be steady--no whispering and no screaming." so: varying but not too loud or too soft?

[@alanbierhoff6831]

Really great info. I’ve been carrying bear spray for years and all I have is a stack of expired cans lol I always check the expiration dates before I head out and buy fresh cans as needed

[@KevinOutdoors]

It can be a bit tricky to get rid of expired cans.

[@suezaple4950]

Thank you for this information , use ,storage how to carry and use very much appreciated as i crown land camp in northern ontario

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Elcapulove]

Good morning and health to everyone. Thank you for the valuable information. 👍🙏

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@Bryan-el8ki]

Great video, I just bought a can and am planning a trip, this info was very helpful.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks glad this was of use.

[@ferruccio4531]

that was extremely useful, thank you.

[@KevinOutdoors]

You're welcome!

[@BangBangBeefyMacNCheesy]

I have heard anecdotally that one added part of the bear spray that makes it efficient is the loud *hissing* noise that it makes when discharged. Like many other animals, they are keenly aware of venomous snakes 🐍 and the spray kinda sounds like a hissing snake which may have an added role in stopping a charging bear. Then if the bear gets the spicy 🌶 goodness in its eyes / nose, it will stop in its tracks shortly thereafter. *JUST LIKE HUMANS* it is really important to know that there is a *DELAY* between the time of the spray hitting the eyes / nose and the time for the swelling and pain to begin. It’s usually a few seconds depending on the quality of the spray, but it can also take up to *30-40 SECONDS!* Something to be aware of always when using OC / Bear Spray (both on bears and their human counterparts)

[@KevinOutdoors]

You will forgive me if I don't put much faith in the snake hypothesis.

[@BangBangBeefyMacNCheesy]

Kevin Outdoors I wasn’t sure if there was any truth to it at all... I only read or heard about it a while ago, and I am in no way even close to being qualified to determine if it was a valid claim or not. I will gladly take your word on it as being pure bunk. 😁👍🏻

[@Guitcad1]

Very informative! I love that you cite good reputable scientific sources!

[@KevinOutdoors]

That is the only way to go, Thanks!

[@donmcconnery5080]

I hope that no animals were injured in the making of this video

[@KevinOutdoors]

None! 😀

[@pk3]

Loved both the parts. Very informative. Thanks

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it! There are already more than two videos and still more to come. 😀

[@carldewitz5239]

This is my second video of yours I've watched and it is very informative we go to Northern Bc lots and always carry bear spray fortunately never needed it

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for watching, enjoy your next trip!

[@alexthem2010]

Amazing videos, watched all the bear safety videos of yours, taught me a lot, I will soon hike through country where there is a chance to meet bears, glad I found your videos. Calm, entertaining and informative, threw you a sub!

[@scottywashere69420]

ive been watching it too

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Kevin, sincere thanks for sharing this very informative video. All the best to you. Stay healthy my friend. 🤗

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Ronald.

[@marcp.8552]

Nice job ! Good video! This is just what we need to put in perspective our relationship with those special citizens.

[@jacobberry5138]

Special citizens? WTH you talking about?

[@jfowler7604]

This is absolutely invaluable info for me. I've been hiking, hunting, and backcountry fishing for 50 years and have had exactly two encounters. Both were sows with cubs and in both cases, I had no protection. No contact happened in either case but a good dose of "bear nerves". Although I have firearms and training, it is often not P.C. (California) to carry. Thus, when fishing, I usually don't carry. You have cleared up a lot of things and now I know what to do. I have often wondered about spray and also wondered about exposure after discharging the canister. The longer range spray you mention in passing seems the way to go. I'm now also wondering about something (what?) to have along to neutralize just in case you do get a little dose due the wind or whatever.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks J Fowler. I don't think there is much that can neutralize the effects of bear spray other than time. Rinsing with water should help and if you had some milk handy that would probably work better, just like after eating hot sauce that is too hot. All the best!

[@nomorebs1668]

A canister that wont break open during a hike would be a great idea. The bear canister is a great idea. Bear spray is dangerous to carry so be aware.

[@nm1978]

it's amazing that so many people go hiking or work in jungles and don't even carry the bear spray.

[@KevinOutdoors]

It is.

[@McRocket]

Very informative and very helpful. Thank you for making this video.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samuctrebla3221]

Excellent content

[@KevinOutdoors]

Much appreciated

[@stuartmcdicks4792]

Great video! Can’t wait to show all my comrades.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@BobMeyers]

Excellent coverage of bear spray. Maybe you should do another video on using bear spray on mountain lions since attacks by lions appear to be increasing. I always pack bear spray on my property, which has lots of black bears and mountain lions.

[@serafinmagic1634]

Wear a mask across the back of your head, one that looks like a face. Mountain lions, like tigers, are ambush predators & are fooled by the mask. A few friends from rural India told me about that trick.

[@bongbong777]

Great video man thanks.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Bong Bong!

[@XxnosmanXx]

I would be curious to hear of studies on bear bangers and what their success rate is.

[@KevinOutdoors]

I do know of many situations where bear bangers have worked. The success rate isn't perfect and bears can become quickly conditioned to accept the noise if there is a food reward involved. I have a video on this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTMq35rjbiamdU

[@villacoya]

excellent video, I feel much more prepared.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Villacoya!

[@jayvirdi7248]

Thank you sir beautifully explained

[@KevinOutdoors]

Most welcome!

[@DonaldMcDonald]

Good video, thanks. I'm glad we don't have bears in Scotland. I wonder if the spray works on wild Haggis 😉

[@KevinOutdoors]

I don't think anything works on Haggis! 😉

[@IMWeira]

Good one!

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Well done! Thank you.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thank you too!

[@chiefjoe8655]

Thank you. I learned something new today. Stay safe...

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad to help