Bear spray is powerful enough to stop charging bears and other wild animals. But can you use it on humans? How long does it last? What happens if bear spray gets on your skin?

In this guide, we’ll talk about what bear spray is, how it works, and why it’s not the best choice against people.

What Is Bear Spray?

Bear spray is an aerosol spray that keeps bears away, especially if one is charging or acting aggressively. It releases a cloud of capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot. When a bear gets hit by the spray, its eyes, nose, and throat get irritated. As a result, the bear can’t see, smell, or breathe properly. This gives you time to get away and call for help. 

Bear spray is different from regular pepper spray because it's designed for larger animals like bears. It's more concentrated and comes in larger cans, usually holding 200 to 300 ml of the substance. It can also reach up to 30 feet, so you don’t have to get too close to the bear. Plus, it’s made to work in bad weather, like rain or wind, which is important when you're outdoors.

The spray temporarily stuns the bear but does not hurt it permanently. However, this is enough to stop it from attacking. This makes bear spray a safer choice compared to using firearms. Plus, it’s effective more than 90% of the time. In short, bear spray is a helpful tool for camping or hiking in areas where bears live.

Can You Use Bear Spray on Humans?

No, you should never use bear spray on humans. It’s illegal and dangerous. Bear spray is specifically made to stop bears, not people. It contains a much stronger concentration of oleoresin capsicum than pepper spray. 

Using bear spray on someone could also lead to serious legal trouble. It's against the law because the product is labeled "Not for use on humans." If you misuse it, you could face criminal charges or civil lawsuits. Plus, bear spray can cause severe irritation in humans, like burning, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

If you're looking for something for self-defense against people, pepper spray is the better option. It’s made for humans, has a lower concentration of capsaicin, and is designed to be used safely. Always choose the right product for the right situation to avoid harm and legal issues. Bear spray is meant for bears, and that’s it. 

What Happens If Bear Spray Gets on Your Skin?

You'll feel a severe burn if bear spray gets on your skin. Bear spray contains capsaicin, the same chemical in hot peppers. The pain can last 45 minutes, which feels like a bad sunburn.

You can ease the discomfort by putting oil on the area and washing it with soap and water. Since bear spray is oil-based, water alone won’t cut it. Use soap to break down the oil and help get it off.

It gets worse if the spray gets in your eyes. It’ll cause them to burn and tear up. While it feels horrible, remember that it won’t cause permanent damage to your eyes. The key is to flush your eyes with water right away. If you wear contacts, remove them immediately because the oil can get trapped underneath and make the irritation worse.

Bear spray on your clothes is also a problem. Soak your clothes in cold water with soap for up to 30 minutes. Then, wash the clothes separately from other laundry. You might need to treat them with extra steps, like rubbing them with oil before washing them. 

While getting sprayed with bear spray is painful and unpleasant, it does not cause long-term harm. The most important thing is to act quickly. 

How Harmful Is Bear Spray to Humans?

Bear spray can be harmful to humans if not used correctly. It’s meant to deter bears, but it’s still a powerful irritant. The active ingredient, capsaicin, causes burning and irritation in your eyes, nose, and lungs. If you get sprayed, your eyes will sting badly, and you might even experience involuntary eye closure. Your lungs will be affected, too, making it hard to breathe. Plus, you might cough a lot.

If bear spray touches your skin, it can cause intense pain and a burning sensation. It’s uncomfortable but temporary. However, getting sprayed up close can be dangerous, especially for your eyes. It might cause permanent damage if the pressure is high enough. The spray is designed to hit targets from up to 30 feet away. But a small amount can incapacitate you if you're caught in it. 

While bear spray works well for stopping animals, it’s not something you want to accidentally spray on yourself. When it’s misused, like spraying yourself or getting a bit of it on your skin, it can make you feel like you're in serious distress. The pain and discomfort from the bear spray can also last for hours. 

If you’re carrying bear spray, treat it with respect. It’s not just a tool for animals. It’s a potent chemical, so handle it like you would any other dangerous item. Misusing it can leave you hurting for quite a while, and even with the best intentions, you don’t want to be the one suffering from the side effects.

Bear Spray vs. Pepper Spray

If you're trying to figure out whether you need bear spray or pepper spray, you're not alone. Both are effective tools for personal safety, but they serve different purposes. Here are the main differences between the two sprays so you can decide which one’s right for you.

Protection Against Different Threats

Bear spray is mainly used for self-defense in the wild, particularly when you're hiking or camping in areas where bears are present. It’s designed to stop a bear from charging or attacking you. The goal isn’t to harm the bear permanently. Its goal is to make it back off long enough for you to get away. Bear spray can also be effective against other large animals that pose a threat.

On the other hand, pepper spray is meant for self-defense against human attackers. People usually carry it when walking alone at night, jogging, or in other potentially dangerous situations. It causes intense pain and temporary blindness, so you have enough time to escape and get help.

What’s Inside

Both sprays contain a substance called oleoresin capsicum, which is derived from hot peppers. This is the active ingredient that causes irritation.

Bear spray contains a higher concentration of capsaicin (the compound responsible for the heat in peppers) than pepper spray. Bear spray usually has 1 to 2% capsaicin, while pepper spray usually ranges from 0.18% to 1%. Bear sprays have high concentrations because they need to affect larger animals like bears and cougars.

How Far You Can Spray

Bear spray has better reach than pepper spray. It can shoot up to 30 feet, which is a must when dealing with a large, fast-moving animal like a bear. The spray also forms a dense cloud that can create a barrier between you and the bear, which gives you more time to escape.

On the other hand, pepper spray has a shorter range― usually around 10 feet. It’s designed for close encounters with people, so a precise spray is more important. It’s meant to be used quickly in tight situations.

Size

Bear spray is meant to handle bigger animals and cover more area, so it comes in much larger canisters, usually between 200 and 300 ml. This makes sure you have enough spray to stop a bear that’s charging at you. The larger size also lets you use multiple bursts if needed. 

Pepper spray comes in smaller canisters, typically between 30 to 100 ml. This makes it more portable and easier to carry around daily. You can keep it in a bag, pocket, or on a keychain without it being too bulky.

How Long It Lasts

Bear spray tends to have effects that can last up to 45 minutes, which is long enough to give you time to get to safety. The effects are temporary but intense. It mainly causes the bear to retreat due to the burning sensation in its eyes, nose, and throat.

On the other hand, pepper spray lasts around 20 minutes to an hour. This gives you enough time to escape an attacker. The pain it causes can linger and affect the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. 

Legal Use

Bear spray is generally legal in places where bears live, like national parks or forests. However, it is illegal to use bear spray on humans, so it’s only used for wildlife defense. Some areas may have restrictions on carrying it, so always check the local laws before traveling.

Pepper spray, on the other hand, is legal all over the US for personal defense. However, some states, like California and Illinois, have restrictions on its use. Pepper spray can’t be sold to minors there, while other states limit the size of the canister or who can sell it. So, always verify the rules where you live or plan to visit.

You can also bring pepper spray on a plane, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as long as it’s in your checked bags. You can’t bring pepper spray in your carry-on bags because it’s considered a weapon, and the TSA has a strict no-weapons rule for carry-ons. 

Which One Should You Choose?

It all depends on where you are and the potential threat. If you’re out in the wild, hiking, or camping in bear territory, bear spray is your best bet. It’s designed for larger animals, has a longer range, and comes in a bigger canister.

If you’re mostly concerned about human attackers, especially in urban settings, pepper spray is the way to go. It’s more portable, easier to carry, and effective for close-range defense. 

In the end, it’s all about being prepared for the right situation. Whether you're facing a bear or a person with bad intentions, knowing how and when to use your spray can make all the difference.

How to Use Bear Spray Properly

Knowing how to use bear spray properly makes a huge difference in an emergency. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do so: 

1. Grab Your Bear Spray

Make your bear spray easily accessible. Put it in a holster on your belt or in a pocket you can reach quickly. Don’t bury it deep in your backpack or under layers of clothing. Remember, you need to act fast during a bear encounter, so have it within easy reach.

2. Remove the Safety Clip

Remove the safety clip before using the bear spray. This clip prevents accidental discharge. But when a bear is close, you need to get rid of it fast. Hold the can firmly with both hands, put your thumb over the clip, and pull it back. This step needs to be quick and automatic, so practice removing the safety clip beforehand.

3. Aim and Spray

Aim the nozzle slightly downward and toward the bear’s face. You want to create a “wall” of spray between you and the bear. The spray is powerful, and you don’t need to aim for the bear’s face. Just direct the spray in front of the bear’s head. 

Then, use short bursts of about one to two seconds. If the bear doesn’t retreat, spray again. The goal is to stop the bear in its tracks, so don’t hesitate to spray it many times if needed.

4. Consider the Wind Direction

The wind can have a big impact on the effectiveness of the bear spray. If the wind is at your back, you’re in luck, as it will carry the spray toward the bear. But if you’re in a crosswind, aim slightly into the wind so the spray goes in front of the bear. Avoid spraying in a strong headwind, as the spray could blow back on you.

5. Back Away Slowly

Don’t chase it or turn your back once the bear retreats. Slowly back away while keeping an eye on it. While most bears will run off after being sprayed, you should stay alert. The bear may come back. Always keep a safe distance, and don’t turn your back until you’re sure the bear is gone.

6. Put the Safety Clip Back

Put the safety clip back to prevent any accidental discharge. Store the canister in a safe place, either in its holster or another secure spot, to keep it ready for future use.

7. Practice Makes Perfect

Using bear spray is simple, but you should practice how to use it. Practice removing the canister and safety clip in a safe, open area with an inert canister (a practice version that doesn’t contain active ingredients). The more you practice, the more automatic your response will be when a bear is nearby. 

By following these steps, you'll be ready to handle a bear encounter with confidence. Just remember to stay calm, aim for the bear's face, and don’t turn back. 

Is Bear Spray Better Than Pepper Spray on Humans?

No, bear spray is not better than pepper spray on humans. In fact, using bear spray on a person is a bad idea.

Bear spray is made for large animals, like bears. It’s designed to stop them from charging or attacking. It has a higher concentration of capsaicin, which is the active ingredient in chili peppers. It also creates a cloud to cover a bigger area. It’s strong and effective for scaring off a bear, but it’s not meant for humans.

On the other hand, pepper spray is specifically made for self-defense against people. It has a lower concentration of capsaicin and a more precise spray. It’s designed to temporarily blind and irritate the eyes, nose, and throat so you can escape. Pepper spray is quick and works in tight, close-range situations, which is usual when you’re facing a human attacker.

Using bear spray on a human could cause serious harm, and it’s also illegal in most places. It’s just not designed for human use. Pepper spray is the better choice when it comes to protecting yourself from another person.

So, always carry the right spray for the situation: bear spray for wildlife and pepper spray for human attackers.

Can a Human Survive Bear Spray?

Yes, humans can survive bear spray. It’s designed to be a non-lethal deterrent for bears and other animals, not humans. The active ingredient in bear spray is capsaicin, which makes chili peppers hot. When sprayed, it creates a cloud of irritant that affects the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. This makes it hard to breathe, see, or swallow for a while. 

While bear spray causes a lot of discomfort, it doesn’t cause permanent damage. The effects of bear spray usually last 45 minutes. After this time, the discomfort fades, and you’ll feel better. However, it can be a very painful experience. 

If you’re accidentally sprayed, put oil on the affected area and wash it with soap and water. Don’t rub your eyes or skin because it makes things worse. If it’s on your skin, put oil on it and wash it off with soap and water. If it’s in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly. You should also leave the area so you’re not exposed to more of the spray.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates bear spray and has guidelines in place, including warnings that it may cause substantial temporary eye injury and irritation to the skin and nose. While there have been some cases of accidental exposure, there are no known human deaths from bear spray. For instance, there was an incident where a robot punctured a can of bear spray in a warehouse. However, everyone was released within 24 hours.

So, while bear spray won’t kill you, it’s something you want to avoid. It's meant to protect you from bears, not to be used on humans. Plus, it’s illegal to use it against people. 

Does Milk Neutralize Bear Spray?

While milk can help provide some temporary relief from the burning sensation of bear spray, it doesn’t neutralize or remove the spray. Bear spray is oil-based, and milk, though soothing, doesn’t effectively wash away the oils in the spray. 

In fact, milk is not sterile and could even introduce bacteria to the skin, which might lead to infection. So, while it might feel nice for a short period, it’s not a recommended first-aid treatment.

Experts agree that the best way to treat bear spray exposure is to use oil to bind the capsaicin oil in the spray and wash it with soap afterward. If it’s in your eyes, rinse them with plenty of fresh, clean water and avoid rubbing them. Rubbing can make the irritation worse. 

For skin or clothing, soap and water work best. It’s also important to be patient because the burning sensation can last for 45 minutes, depending on the person and the severity of the exposure.

In some cases, people use milk to help soothe the skin after washing it with soap and water. However, this is more about comfort than treating the actual irritation caused by the spray. If you’re exposed to bear spray, stay calm and focus on using oil, water, and soap.

Does Bear Spray Work on Cougars?

Yes, bear spray can work on cougars or mountain lions. Bear spray is designed to deter large mammals, including bears and cougars. It causes temporary discomfort and disorientation so you can get away.

You can use bear spray if you encounter a cougar and it shows aggressive behavior. Aim for its face and eyes if possible. Remember, bear spray works best when the cougar is within 30 feet, as this is the range where the spray creates a cloud the animal can't avoid.

Bear spray is one of the best weapons against big animals. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require the precision of a firearm. Plus, the effects of bear spray can last up to 45 minutes, which is enough time to escape. 

However, bear spray isn’t a substitute for prevention. Be aware of your surroundings and try other deterrent techniques, like making yourself look larger or producing loud noises, before using the spray. When you’re in cougar territory, having bear spray on hand can save your life.

Can I Use Bear Spray for Self-Defense?

Bear spray is specifically designed for use against bears, not humans. While it is approved by the EPA for deterring bears in the wild, it’s not recommended for self-defense against people or pets. The spray contains a strong irritant, but it’s intended to work only on large animals.

You can use personal defense alarms or pepper spray for personal safety. These self-defense weapons are safer to use on human attackers. Plus, they’re designed for dangerous situations where you need to escape.

While powerful in the wilderness, bear spray is not the best choice for everyday self-defense. It can cause intense discomfort, but it’s not practical or legal for personal protection.

Always choose the right tool for the job. Bear spray is a great option for wildlife encounters. But if you want to protect yourself from other threats, go for a personal safety alarm or pepper spray with maximum strength. 

How Long Does Bear Spray Last?

Bear spray usually lasts between three to five years. After that time, the nozzle could get blocked and make the spray less effective. The propellant inside bear spray also loses its potency over time. As a result, the spray won’t go as far or might not work at all. Check the expiration date on the can to know when to replace it.

If you're unsure whether your bear spray is still good, you can test it in a safe, open area before your trip. Aim the nozzle safely and test it briefly. Bear spray is meant to be used in short bursts, which usually last less than 10 seconds.

Will Bear Spray Save You?

Yes, bear spray can save you in a bear encounter. Studies show it works more than 90% of the time to stop aggressive bears. Bear spray is also more effective than firearms and comes with a lower injury rate. In fact, people using guns to defend against bears are injured about 50% of the time compared to those using bear spray.

Bear spray temporarily incapacitates the bear, so you have time to get away. It doesn't cause lasting harm to the bear, and it’s safer for you and the environment. The spray works by irritating the bear’s eyes, nose, and throat, which causes it to retreat.

When used correctly, bear spray can be a game-changer. It's stronger than pepper spray, and it’s designed specifically for huge animals in the world. Plus, it sprays in a large cloud, so you don't have to be accurate. It works on brown bears, black bears, polar bears, cougars, lions, and the like. 

Should You Sleep With Bear Spray?

Yes, it's a good idea to keep the bear spray in your tent while sleeping in bear country. You should also make it easily accessible. You never know when a bear might wander into your campsite, so you should be able to grab the spray quickly.

Make sure your bear spray is within arm’s reach while you sleep, but keep it secure to avoid accidental discharge. Some people even recommend sleeping away from the tent walls because bears often explore with their noses. With a little preparation, bear spray can help keep you safe while camping in bear country.

That said, bear spray isn’t a substitute for proper campsite practices. You should still store your food away from your sleeping area, keep a clean camp, and avoid attracting bears with items like leftovers, toiletries, and bug repellant. Following these precautions and having bear spray in your tent gives you extra peace of mind.

Where to Carry Bear Spray

Knowing where to carry bear spray when you're out in bear country helps a lot. Here’s where to keep your bear spray: 

1. On Your Hip or Waist

You can use a hip holster or a quick-access belt holster. This way, it’s right at your side, and you can grab it in a hurry without having to dig through a backpack. Many bear spray holsters are designed to be worn on the belt or around your waist so they stay secure but still within reach.

2. In a Chest Holster

Are you carrying a heavy pack? If yes, it’s harder to access your bear spray when it’s on your waist. In this case, a chest holster is a great option. It places the bear spray right in front of you, where it’s easy to grab. Plus, it’s not obstructed by your backpack straps, so you can act fast when needed.

3. In Your Backpack 

You can also keep bear spray in your backpack if you don’t want to wear it. However, you should make sure it’s in an easily accessible outer pocket. Don’t stuff it deep inside your bag because you won’t have time to rummage around in an emergency. The key is quick access, so putting it in a mesh pocket or side compartment works best.

4. On a Carabiner

Some people attach their bear spray to a carabiner, which they clip to their backpack or belt. This is especially useful if you're hiking or climbing, where you need to move a lot and need your hands free. It keeps the spray secure but still accessible when needed.

5. Near Your Tent

You can also keep bear spray near your tent; just outside or within easy reach. You might not be able to carry it on you while you're in your sleeping bag, so having it nearby gives you peace of mind. Just make sure it’s in a safe, secure spot that you can easily get to in the dark.

Conclusion

Bear spray is a powerful tool for dealing with wild animals, but you can’t use it on humans. It has a high concentration of capsaicin, a wide spray range, and is designed to stop large animals, not people. If you need protection against human threats, a personal defense alarm or pepper spray is the better option. 

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