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Research on the effectiveness of Bear Spray vs. a Firearm in a Bear Encounter A study on the efficacy of bear deterrent spray was conducted in Alaska. 83 cases involving the use of bear spray in Alaska between 1985 and 2006 were analyzed. Results showed that in over 90% of close-range encounters with black and brown bears, spray stopped the bear’s undesirable behavior. Bear Spray Research on Effectiveness of Bear Spray Efficacy of Firearms in a Bear Encounter For self defense against grizzly bears, the answer isn't as obvious.  Many are surprised when they find that, despite using their firearm against a charging...

  From WildSmart on the Trail (click here to go to their website) Carry Bear Spray and Know How To Use It Below is one of our favorite videos on how to use bear spray from Wild Smart/Biosphere Institute out of Canmore, AB. When recreating in bear country, your best strategy to avoid an encounter with a bear is to make lots of noise, stay in groupsand be alert for signs of bears in the area. Diggings, scat, visible tracks and overturned logs and rocks, are all early warning signs that bears are around. In most cases, bears will do their best to...

The hot weather these days means everyone is heading outdoors to enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer.   Just a reminder to NOT leave your bear spray in a hot vehicle.  Vehicles trap heat which means on a hot day, the inside of your vehicle can reach temperatures over 55°C or 131°F.  Bear spray canisters can explode if they reach temperatures over 50°C.  Know what the temperature limits are on your bear spray. Enjoy the days outdoors and stay cool these hot summer days. All the best    Be Outdoors. Be Prepared.

We often hear of more Elk encounter then Bear encounters.   Be cautious with Elk at any time in the year.  It's especially important to be cautious during Elk calving season.  Elk calves will lie in the grass out of site where Mom is close by on defensive mode. Be cautious when biking, hiking or walking near Elk and be aware that Elk calves may be near by hiding with Mom on guard.  We commonly hear of someone biking, hiking or walking near Elk only to surprise an Elk calf lying in the grass out of site which puts Mom Elk...

Bears are busy this season with a recent bear encounter in Kananaskis Country.   Here's a thorough read on how to be Safe Around Bears by Robert Brannon. This guide has everything you need to know about bear safety. Bears are beautiful animals, and it's an exciting experience to see one. But being around a bear can also be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. When hiking or camping in bear country, there is a number of precautions that you can take to avoid unexpected bear encounters. And to be prepared to act if you find yourself in...