While I applaud your review and the attempt at being thorough, the studies you quote do not show what you claim. Range: Up to 32 feet (8.1); up to 40 feet (10.2) The actual product, according to Counter Assault, registers a whopping 3 million on the famous Scoville Heat Unit scale. “A bear attack usually happens in a quick couple of seconds.”. But he had the presence of mind to stop, raise his trekking poles, and shout. If necessary, back away slowly to give the bear plenty of room to escape. Meanwhile, in a separate study of 72 bear attacks between 1985 and 2006, Smith found that, “Of all persons carrying sprays, 98% were uninjured by bears in close-range encounters. Frontiersman continues to rank as one of the … A standing bear is curious, not threatening, but this is a good time for a first short (one-second) burst of Counter Assault, bear mace which may send the bear on its way. Store personal items (such as deodorants, toothpaste, make-up, soap, and lotions) with food and garbage when not in use. The most effective dispersal system is the atomized fogger. “If a bear is shot and killed, the learning ends if it dies.”. Dismiss. The loop handle makes it easy to clip to clothes or pack. MSRP: $44.95 (8.1-ounce); $54.95 (10.2-ounce) Able to be ordered with or without a holster, Counter Assault bear spray is a top notch brand that fully stands up to scrutiny when compared to UDAP or Frontiersman. To relieve the discomfort of the individual who has been exposed. Who knows? Any scent may attract bears, but there is no conclusive evidence by bear experts that bear spray does or does not attract bears. Best not aggravated. The product must return to the US and cannot be sold or remain in Canada. This is the official Facebook page for Counter Assault Bear Deterrent & Pepper Spray. To be effective, Counter Assault Bear Deterrent must be airborne. Try not to pose a threat – avoid direct eye contact, as bears may perceive this as a threat. He is believed to have treated more bear-attack victims and investigated more bear attacks than anyone else in the continental US. some mad scientist resurrects a T-rex by extracting its blood from the DNA of a 67-million-year-old mosquito trapped in amber? In extreme cold weather, American and Canadian park rangers carry their Counter Assault under their jackets to keep it warm for emergency use. You don’t want to let a bear get close to you, for many obvious reasons. When the animal attack is interrupted, this is your chance to get away, but DO NOT RUN. Bears can charge at speeds up to 30+ mph. Shelf life: Up to four years. He can’t prove it with data, but believes the use of bear spray is a big factor in the change. Deploys a high volume, powerful, atomized blast of highly concentrated pepper spray to deter a bear … Animals and people temporarily experience intense burning sensations, which should disipate in 30 to 45 minutes. Do not run – including to the nearest tree unless you are sure you can climb at least 10 feet before the bear reaches you. Mama charged, and his whole trail family turned and fled, screaming, precisely what you are not supposed to do. Do not spray this product on objects, tents or humans; such use has no deterrent effect on bears. Change your clothes before going to bed — do not sleep in the same clothes you cook in. Range: 20 feet Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray At-a-Glance. ... 4/1/2015 Counter Assault Also, having 8 or 9 seconds of spray time is a big plus. Try to back away slowly diagonally, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. Model Size Contents Spray Distance / Duration CAC-12 230 g 1.84% capsaicin 30 feet spray distance – 7 seconds spray duration CAC-18 290 g 1.84% capsaicin 32 feet spray distance – 9 seconds spray duration Always minimize odors. Wash your hands thoroughly after cooking, eating, or handling fish or game. I've got just eight to go). He is careful to say “animal,” because 3 million SCUs are enough make virtually any animal stop and think twice. Counter Assault OC-10® is a non-flammable, non-toxic aerosol spray used by law enforcement, military, and the general public as a non-lethal alternative for attacks by humans. flush any exposed areas including eyes with large quantities of water. Note: Check for wind direction and position yourself upwind if possible, to avoid cross-exposure. This four-year replacement date means that it should shoot to maximum distance the first four years, and should spray a considerable distance after that date. Please follow local camping regulations, but here are some tips: The most common North American bears are the black bear and the grizzly bear. Commonly referred to as OC, it is a natural, oily, resin-like substance derived from hot peppers, the same ones used in spicy foods. Counter Assault Bear Spray’s NEW innovative formula produces the optimal combination of spray time and spray distance. But come 2019, who knows ...? Dump dishwater at least 100 yards from your sleeping area. I pulled the safety wedge from the handle and, grimacing like The Man With No Name from Clint Eastwood’s spaghetti Westerns, whipped it from my hip and gave one quick pull on the trigger. They are matriarchal; mom teaches her cubs everything. In May 2017 and 2018 I gave back to the trail by working on the ATC's storied Konnarock Trail Crew. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Counter Assault Bear Spray’s NEW innovative formula produces the optimal combination of spray time and spray distance. Outdoor Research MicroGravity AscentShell Jacket Review, Best Hiking and Camping Gear Deals from the REI End of Season Clearance Sale, Year in Review: 19 of The Trek's Top Posts from 2020, Enlightened Equipment Uprising Hammock Underquilt Review, Senate Considers Bill Ending Ban on Mountain Bikes in Wilderness Areas, My Five Favorite Hiking Foods That I Eat Every Day, My Favorite Gear for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike. Weight: For thru-hikers, even the smaller canister may seem like extra weight at 8.1 ounces. Strain food particles from dishwater using a fine mesh screen and store with garbage. It typically comes in a small can and can be sprayed a maximum of six to 10 feet, he says. If you spend any time hiking in bear country you need to be prepared for a bear encounter. Please refer to the letter from Health Canada below. Do not spray it on yourself or your children,” he says. Bear spray uses a fine cloud of Capsicum derivatives to temporarily reduce a bear’s ability to breath, see, and smell, giving you time to leave the area. In 2008 he received the prestigious Harry Yount National Park Ranger Award, given annually to a single ranger who exemplifies the skills needed to protect resources and serve visitors. Weight: 16 ounces, Featured image via Yellowstone National Park. Deploys a high volume, powerful, atomized blast of highly concentrated pepper spray to deter a bear attack. To be effective, Counter Assault Bear Deterrent must be airborne. Do not spray this product on objects, tents, or humans; such use has NO deterrent effect on bears. “As a ranger, I’ve seen visitors spray their tent. Active ingredient: 2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids, the maximum allowed by law. Store pet food, livestock feed, and garbage the same as food. Trade name: Counter Assault Bear Deterrent: Product size: 230g (8.1 oz), 290g (10.2 oz) ... Use restrictions: Not for use on humans. A sudden close encounter and defensive charge from 15-25 feet. ), be sure to carry an adequate amount of bear spray. To be effective, Counter Assault Bear Deterrent must be airborne. Lunch, maybe? If on a trail, step off the trail on the downhill side and slowly leave the area. Moses notes that bear attacks have steadily declined in Glacier, from 2 to 3 people injured every summer in the early 1990s to an average of fewer than 0.5 per year in recent years. FAA regulations do not allow transportation of more than 4 ounces of pepper spray packed in checked luggage. Moses says far too many backcountry users endanger themselves and bears with sloppy food storage. “Given the unpredictable situations that may be encountered and the possible need to use bear spray multiple times during the course of one trip (e.g., wind, multiple bears, the hike out, etc. Easy one-handed operation. “What did you do to her?” my wife barked from down the hall. Counter Assault is classified as non-lethal, and causes no permanent damage to the animal or person sprayed. To get the best possible understanding of this product, its uses, and some of the science behind it, I called up Gary Moses, a product ambassador and bear-education specialist for Counter Assault. Bear Spray is the single most effective protection to carry when working, recreating, or living in bear country. MSRP: $39.99 Grizzly bears often have medium to dark brown legs, hump, and under parts with light-tipped (grizzled) fur on their head and upper body. Recipient of 1998 Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee* (IGBC) Stewardship Award for Research and Development of Bear Pepper Spray. Any odorous product may attract bears. Stupid people (admittedly not product’s fault): So I heard this one guy fired the practice canister in his house … what an idiot! The sound made by the atomized fogger blast of Counter Assault will frequently startle the animal, as it is not a familiar noise. It may not have been the hellfire unleashed by pulling the trigger on a live can of Counter Assault, but it was still a pretty potent chemical blast. Don’t make any sudden movements. Running is likely to prompt the bear to give chase. If you see a bear and it has not seen you, Stay calm and quietly leave the area. What do you call people who get this close to a grizzly bear mama with a cub? Works on all bear species to deter bears from attacking humans. “Yipe!” Carmen shrieked at the sudden hiss and splat as the stream hit the back of my closet, leaping from the bed and skittering down the stairs like Scooby Doo. (Climbing a tree may not work for black bears because they are agile climbers.) Weight: 7.9 ounces, MSRP: $39.99 One day, as he and his trail family were crossing Watauga Dam in Tennessee–notorious for its bear activity, the ATC finally tore down the local shelter in 2019 after years of terrifying encounters–a mama bear and her cub were coming the other way. Select food in individually sealed packages. images reprinted with the permission of Be Bear Aware Campaign. Frontiersman Bear Spray with Chest or Belt Holster. The shorter claws of the black bear are better for climbing. This issue came to light due to the improper use of bear pepper sprays. That said, if you are heading into grizzly country, this is probably a pretty good reason to put an extra 8 or 10 ounces on your back, because you never know. And if (when?) Great for Backpacking and Hiking. Counter Assault Bear Spray’s NEW innovative formula produces the optimal combination of spray time and spray distance. Review local regulations before your outing. “Bears learn a negative experience with people. 800-695-3394 answers-info@counterassault.com If you are exposed, the effects of Counter Assault are temporary. “And what’s that smell?”. I’m adamantly non-bearanoid, being familiar with the statistics. Store food and odorous items by hanging at least 10 feet above ground and 4 feet from top and side supports or by storing in approved. Direct the spray slightly downward—the spray will … Bear sprays that contain OC induce an almost immediate but temporary burning sensation of the skin and a burning, tearing, and swelling of the eyes. Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Review Click on the picture for current pricing. Stand still – hold your ground if the bear charges. The product, Moses says, is intended for one, and only one, use: To lay down a “wall” of deterrent between you and an attacking bear. Courtesy counterassault.com. Bear spray is a vital part of any attack deterrent plan when you’re in bear country. A standing bear is curious, not threatening, but this is a good time for a first short (one-second) burst of Counter Assault, which may send the bear on its way. Gary L. Moses: Counter Assault Bear Education Specialist In 2014, Gary joined Counter Assault as Product Ambassador and Bear Education Specialist. As far as effectiveness of bear spray in general, Moses points to a 2011 study, “Efficacy of Firearms for Bear Deterrence in Alaska,” published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, which found that spray is more effective than trying to fend off an attack with a firearm. It’s only to be used to spray in the face of an animal that is trying to cause harm.”. Your ultimate protection in the wild! But when the product arrived, I saw the company had helpfully forestalled the need to find and irritate an actual bear by sending along a “practice” canister, which does not contain the real stuff, but which, in case you were wondering, you should not fire off in your house anyway. Frontiersman Bear Spray at a Glance: 30 foot … Yes, although it will not spray as far at freezing temperatures because a decrease in temperature causes a decrease in pressure. Pick up small children immediately and stay in a group. Moses spent nearly 30 years working for the National Park Service in Glacier and Yellowstone, two popular parks with the most densely populated brown-bear (aka grizzly-bear) habitats. Thanks for your support! Under no circumstances should bear spray create a false sense of security or serve as a substitute for standard safety precautions in bear country. In an analysis of “incidents of bear-human conflict” involving 444 people and 367 bears (84 percent brown bears, 10 percent black bears, 2 percent polar bears, and 4 percent of unknown species), Tom Smith of Brigham Young University and three other researchers found that when a firearm was used, human injuries occurred in 56 percent of attacks, including 17 fatalities (and 25 dead bears). For comparison, plain old pepper spray—the kind you use to fend off solicitors—is a dinky 1 million SHU, and ghost peppers, the hottest thing humans actually eat, top out at a wimpy 300,000 SHU. In 2016, I hiked the AT and I have literally thought about it every day since. This bear spray is not intended to be “aimed” at, say, the face of a charging bruin (or velociraptor), but rather to lay down what Moses calls a “hedgerow” as far as 40 feet in front of you, a bearier (sorry) into which your sharp-toothed assailant will charge until his eyes, nostrils, and tongue suddenly feel as if they’ve been set on fire. Bear Spray or Bullets? Do not spray this product on objects, tents, or humans; such use has NO deterrent effect on bears. Mama pulled up short, wanting no part of this guy, turned around, and ran off. Range: 30 feet Deterrent power: I’ve eaten ghost peppers, and if this stuff is 10 times fierier, I believe it works; see study above. CAUTION: This product is no substitute for common sense. It’s incredibly easy to use and designed well to prevent accidental release. Carry what the professionals carry! “It is not repellent. The most effective dispersal system is the atomized fogger. For comparison, plain old pepper spray—the kind you use to fend off solicitors—is a dinky 1 million SHU, and ghost peppers, the hottest thing humans actually eat, top out at a wimpy 300,000 SHU. Deploys a high volume, powerful, atomized blast of highly concentrated pepper spray to deter a bear attack. Easy to use: Very intuitive, safe, and requiring only one hand. Canada Health Letter. Great for Backpacking and Hiking. Your ultimate protection in the wild! Clay Bonnyman Evans photo. Works on all bear species to deter bears from attacking humans. $ 36.99 USD More information This allowance applies to Bear Deterrent only, and does not include self defense pepper sprays which are not legal in Canada. Though the potency of the pepper does not diminish, all aerosol canister seals will weaken over time, allowing the propellant to escape. Sure to carry an adequate amount of bear pepper spray are ) against an aggressive.. 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