Any time you are going camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, or any other activity out in mother nature especially in areas that are known as bear habitat it would behoove you to take a canister of bear pepper spray along with you. Bear pepper spray is referred to by many different names: bear deterrent and bear repellent spray. They're all essentially the same thing. Bear pepper spray is an animal repellent spray used to deter an angry grizzly or some other large carnivore that is threatening your well being.

In the gun vs. repellent spray debate, you might be astonished to discover that studies by several researchers have concluded that bear spray is much more effectual than a gun in stopping a bear attack. They went on to point out that it takes an average of four rounds of ammo to bring down an attacking bear and if you don't kill it on the first shot, a wounded bear is even more dangerous and determined than it was before. Using bear spray does not require you to be as accurate.

Bear mace contains Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) an oily residue from hot peppers. Capsicum is a natural ingredient that causes a burning sensation when sprayed in the face of an attacking bear. This special animal spray works similar to regular self-defense spray, however, small personal-size canisters which works on people are not effective against bears. Only defense spray formulated especially for bears will be potent enough to stop one. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates bear sprays pursuant to an Act of Congress. Look for the EPA registration and establishment numbers, usually found at the bottom of the front label; only bear sprays will have this information.}

Bear mace spray causes an intense burning sensation in the eyes, nose and mouth. The repellent will also be inhaled into the lungs causing inflammation of airway passages and shortness of breath. Bear mace is a painful assault on the animal's senses, once sprayed in the face it won't be able to continue the attack. It is a non-lethal form of self protection against grizzly encounters. The symptoms will wear off after 30-40 minutes with no lasting harmful aftereffects. Either or the bear will be long gone by then.

It's a good idea to make it a habit of taking bear pepper mace along every time you go out into the wild. Like with most things, however, the key to using it effectively is to know how to properly use it. If a bear is getting too close or charging, create a cloud of bear spray in front of you and the instant the bear hits that cloud it will fall on its haunches, tuck tail and run.