"Tom Nakashima" wrote in message
...
Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.
http://www.tbotech.com/bearspray.htm
-tom

according to experts such as Gary Sheldon and Dr Stephen Herrero of the
University of Calgary, Pepper Spray halts 75% to 95% of all bear charges and
the bear leaves the area after being hit with the spray. Even when a bear
attacks after being sprayed Herrero believes the efficacy of the attacks is
reduced and its use reduces injury and fatalities.

Be sure to use the spray only directly on a charging bear, It should not be
sprayed around a camp area or on a tent. The capsicum looses it's potency on
exposure to air and may actually attract bears.

Any bear is potentially dangerous. Keep your distance. In British Columbia
it is recommended to keep at least 50 meters of space between yourself and a
bear. Double that for a sow with cubs. If a bear approaches closer than
those distances leave the area.

Bears are aggressive because they compete primarily with other bears for
food and space. Some believe that surprised bears charge and attack because
they think the person is another bear or are unsure what the animal is. If
you experience a surprise encounter at close range speak to the bear in a
clear monotone and raise your arms up and slowly lower them straight out
till they are parallel to your shoulders, raise again and lower. If you are
with another person or a group stand close together so the bear sees you as
part of a group. According to Herrero attacks on groups of 4 or more adults
are rare if not unknown.

BTW a fly fisher on the Castle River in Alberta was killed a few years
back - he was insight of the access road that runs along the stream
--
Some of my angling snaps:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/gallery/vi...bumName=RalphH