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Here's a viral video of Sabre Wild Max bear spray being used on an actual bear.  For an encounter like this with a curious/predatory bear, bear experts advise:  Do not run Ready your bear spray Intimidate the bear - make yourself look as big as possible and shout aggressively at the bear. Use your bear spray if the bear comes within the usable range of the bear spray you're carrying.  (Typically 4-10m or 13-30 feet).  9m-10.5m for Frontiersman/Sabre 1% bear spray depending on wind, weather and canister size).   Video of Sabre Wild Max 225g bear spray being used in a...

Bear Spray 101  Bear sprays are aerosol bear deterrent sprays loaded with highly concentrated Capsaicin and related Capsaicinoids (Capsaicin and Capsaicinoids is what gives red peppers the heat). Dog pepper spray in Canada typically contains around 0.5% Capsaicin plus 0.44% related Capsaicinoids. Bear spray in Canada has approximately 1.0% to 1.1% Capsaicin plus about 0.84% related Capsaicinoids for a total heat of about 1.84%. In other words, bear spray has approximately double the heat of dog spray.  The higher the concentration of Capsaicin and related Capsaicinoids, the more potent the spray.When deployed, most bear sprays release a cloud of the Capsaicin...

Here's a great video on How to handle and avoid bear encounters by the great people at Bow Valley Wild Smart. Handling and Avoiding Bear Encounters

We hope you're enjoying the health benefits of the outdoors this season.   We're hearing so many stories from bear encounters this year.  One friend was biking, came over a hill and surprised a black bear.  Hitting their brakes, they flew over the handle bars and almost landed on the bear that thankfully scurried away.  There's so many reports of bears, Grizzly bears and cubs etc. this season as bears continue to frequent the valley bottoms and even neighborhoods. As you enjoy the outdoors this season, it's important to be prepared to encounter a bear in your adventures.  Even your most regular walk,...

Campsite Safety Checklist Before you head out this weekend, here are a few reminders on how to keep your wilderness living space safe.  Emergency Preparedness In case of emergency, have the following on hand:  First aid kit Matches/lighter  Flashlight and batteries  Pocket knife Whistle, flare and flare gun Extra water  Campfire Before you go, ensure you have reviewed campsite regulations and potential fire fans. Warm, dry weather can increase the risk of forest fires, but campfires can be risky all year round.  What a safe campfire looks like:  Use an approved fire-ring or pit, and make sure there's a four-foot...