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 On: 2008-04-23
I had the chance to use this Bear Defense Spray on two occasions, one was during a promotional radio comedy show. The Bear was tame and I got $50 for Spraying it on a Bear. Didnt seem to work at all, it sneezed a few times but it didnt do a thing. If it hadnt been tame (w/ a trainer), I would have been torn to pieces.
Occasion two was when I went hiking in the mountains. I came across a brown bear near a small creek and he came at me. I froze, panicked, took the Bear Defense Spray and used it. The only thing it did was startle the Bear, it retreated but eventually came at me again, but I had time enough to run back to my truck where I hid for safety.
Bear adrenaline, either from male heat or anger, is enough to override the effects of a little pepper spray burst, just like a man on drugs or alcohol can still attack if hit with pepper spray.
In all, I wouldnt recommend these Bear Defense Sprays at all unless you are dealing with a Bear cub.
 On: 2007-05-03
My job often takes me into the mountains involving timber sales, where Bear spray is a must (also for camping/hiking in Bear country). I have never had to use my spray but I have had several "close encounters" in which noise was sufficient to get the (black) bears to move off. I hope I never have to use the spray defensively. I chose the Guard Alaska Bearspray after reading the product description that it is the only one registered with the EPA as effective for all species of bears. We also have Grizzlies in our neck of the woods (although, I have never seen one in the wild).
Noise is the first great option in bear avoidance. Let them know you are approaching with bear bells and talking. I repeat, "Hey, Bear" every ten or fifteen seconds while moving through the forest. I also intentionally snap off dead branches from fallen snags in my path followed by a "Hey, bear". The snap usually resounds loudly through the forest so the bear knows at a distance that something is in the area and the voice will tell it that its not a forest critter. Having a canister of bear spray is a very good (and necessary) back-up option.
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