Bear spray a viable alternative to guns for deterring bears, BYU study shows

Also found spray residue actually attracts bears

BYU bear biologist Thomas S. Smith published a study on the effectiveness of bear spray for deterring aggressive bears. Here he is pictured with an unconscious "mother " polar bear -... Click here for more information.

PROVO, Utah – Hikers and campers venturing into bear country this spring may be safer armed with 8-ounce cans of bear pepper spray than with guns, according to a new study led by a Brigham Young University bear biologist.

Thomas S. Smith, associate professor of wildlife science, has conducted field work among bears for 16 years and has never used bear spray, although he carries it faithfully. “I wish I had more scary stories to share, but I’ve behaved myself,” said Smith, emphasizing that caution and wisdom are the best way to prevent bear attacks.

Concerned about hikers’ and campers’ persistent doubts that a small can of liquid pepper spray could stop half a ton of claws, muscle and teeth, Smith and colleagues analyzed 20 years of bear spray incidents in Alaska, home to 150,000 bears. He found that the spray effectively halted aggressive bear behavior in 92 percent of the cases, whether that behavior was an attack or merely rummaging for food. Of all 175 people involved in the incidents studied, only three were injured by bears, and none required hospitalization. Smith and his research team report their findings in the April issue of the Journal of Wildlife Management.

“People working or recreating in bear habitat should feel confident they are safe if carrying bear spray,” Smith said.