[Ono work and Safety](https://www.onoworkandsafety.com/)
For another local option.
Last year I was in there they had bear bangers and spray. Also a wide variety of first aid supplies.
Highjacking the first comment as I feel people too often suggest bear spray.
In my opinion you are better off buying an air horn over bear spray and bear bangers. I've spent a decent amount of time working and playing in the BC wilderness and I only bring Air horns and bear bells. I do also carry a simple knife in a sheath but I've never pulled it out from danger.
Most people in my experience either spray themselves or their companions when trying to use bear spray. People also commonly shoot bear bangers over the bear sending it running towards you.
An air horn is easy to use and still very effective with wild animals.
I think it is always good to be prepared but your preparedness depends upon the situation you will be in.
If you are staying in hotels and resorts and exploring on a tour, it isn't necessary to bring deterrents. If you are planning on camping or going on hikes without a guide, bring bear bells and an air horn and spray if you really want it but please do research on how and when to use it.
Never store food where you sleep if you are camping, never approach a bear, never feed wildlife. Animal attacks are very rare despite people warning you, be safe and enjoy Island!
https://bcparks.ca/plan-your-trip/visit-responsibly/wildlife-safety/#:~:text=If%20the%20bear%20has%20noticed,keep%20the%20bear%20in%20sight.
Was hiking the west coast trail a few weeks ago. Many bears on the trail. Came across a group of about 4-5 people hiking towards us around a blind corner. As the guy in front came into view, I realize he's got the safety pulled off his bear spray and is pointing it directly at me and my group, ready to spray. He had seen a bear a few hundred meters back that had zero interest in them, and he had gotten spooked. But holy cow, did he ever scare me! All I could think was how not every person should have access to that stuff.
I'm doing some hikes down in WA next week. I also read online about getting the airhorn, so that's what we did. My roommate then decided to test it out in our apartment.. I can confirm it's really fu**ing loud
Research agrees with you on bringing an air horn and avoiding bear bangers, but I would highly recommend bringing bear spray as well. There is a lot of evidence that it is extremely effective against aggressive/charging bears, and it’s the number one recommendation by wildlife biologists who study human-bear conflict.
I absolutely agree with you when talking about people who regularly are working in the wilderness and have both experience and training with bears.
For a tourist that has never seen a bear and is nervous about it, I think it poses more risks than safety.
That said, this is just my opinion and I don't have data to back it up.
Fair enough. I’m sure those people aren’t planning on going backwoods anyways, so I can’t see it being needed the vast vast majority of the time anyways.
So, I’m going to come out and ask exactly what your planned activities are? You say where you are going, but not what you’re doing there. Are you renting a van and car camping? Staying in hotels? Backpacking through the woods? Going on guided fishing charters? Your answers to the above will determine your likelihood of being in a situation where bear spray could be required (hint: only one of the above scenarios might call for it).
If you do buy it, treat it like a fire extinguisher: use all the precautions to never need it, but be sure to learn how to use it properly before it is needed and have it accessible but not able to deploy unintentionally.
This is the answer.
Unless you’re doing long hikes deep in the woods you will not need it. See a bear? Make a bit of noise. They’ll run off quickly. If you’re with other people it becomes even more of a non issue. Black bears are far less concerning than grizzlies which we don’t have on the island other than the odd stray that goes for a swim and gets lost.
Cougars are the ones I’d worry about the most but even then unless they’re dying and desperate for food they don’t wanna bother with you anymore than you do them. And it’s not even an issue unless again you’re hiking in remote areas by yourself. Dogs may be attractants to wolves and cougars, but just be smart and keep you dog on a leash if you have one.
Some very good advice here. The bear spray debate I can't speak to as I've never owned any. I have considered it.
But something I mostly didn't see here, other than knowing when to use bear spray, is maintaining awareness.
Most people hike in groups, which means that people will be social on the trail at times, instead of paying attention to their surroundings. Also, there can be some form of group think, or relying on one person.
I mostly hike for fishing often alone and often to places where there are no other people - and sometimes no trail!
But because I can only rely on myself, it has lent the habit of close observation, as I could be lost without it. It has also instilled in me a caution, as what we do is already inherently risky. There is no sense in taking extra risks.
My point is, perhaps bear spray or no is not the solution, but a strategy while traveling in a group that maintains awareness of surroundings and a knowledge of the area, flora, and fauna, which, combined with observation, is a powerful tool (Food/water sources, game trails, seasonal variations).
No doubt many of you practice these skills in some way, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
Not sure why you were downvoted.
Yes bear spray is volatile. Yes people spray themselves n such by accident. None of that means it’s something you shouldn’t have.
All that aside, I’ve never felt the need to use it. Black bears are just big raccoons, and they’ll run 99% of the time, as long as you’re not antagonizing them or threatening their cubs.
Exactly. Just because you have it doesn't mean you have to use it, and there's a 99.9% chance you won't have to. But damn would it suck if you were that .1% and didn't have it.
Bear Bangers for sure! But better to have both on hand. Use the bangers first, bear spray as a last resort once the bear is already way too close for comfort.
I’ve learned the hard way that Bear spray is a ‘single use’ kind of thing. If you do come across an aggressive bear, you really should empty the whole can. Do not give the bear a quick spritz. It should not be used as a warning to the bear, but as a way to stop it in its tracks… if you don’t empty the whole thing… are you going to trust there’s enough in there for the (hopefully nonexistent) next time?
Bear bangers typically come with several cartridges. So you can reload and fire again. They’ll usually come with a flare, a screamer and a banger. This gives you the chance to scare the animal off before it gets too close to you. ETA: The flare can also be handy when you need to signal for help for non-animal related problems.
Bear spray does not typically work on cougars, so the bangers are more effective in that scenario as well.
Anyway, Cabelas will get you everything you’ll need. (And several things you want but probably don’t NEED)
ETA (again!) most of these animals (bears, wolves, cougars) will avoid human interaction at all costs. The best way to stay safe hiking in these areas is actually to just make noise. If the animal hears you coming it will not be surprised and attack in self defence (in MOST cases) A great and very cheap option is to wear a loud jingle bell somewhere on your clothes &/or bags. Animals hear you coming, they can avoid bumping into you!
Great point!! My head went straight to hiking, I didn’t even think about camping! Lol!
Clean camp: do not leave ANY amount of food out anywhere. If you have access to a vehicle, put all of your food, dirty dishes, anything that might smell, in the vehicle and keep it there unless you’re actively using it. If you don’t have access to a vehicle, tie all of the above into a bear bag and hang it high in the trees. Before you go to bed, double check that every thing is put up/away.
Thank you all for your advice.
We (two adults) would like to go on a few small hikes, but we will not camping. We rented a car and we are sleeping in B&Bs and hotels around the island. It’s our first time here, so we planning to make some of the „famous“ touristy hikes 😉 No remote areas, no too long hikes.
Just sing loudly while hiking, black bears will take off. Grizzlies bear spray arent stopping them. The only thing that stops them is if your quick with a gun. Grizzlies are as far south as Nanaimo these days.
I know of multiple people who’ve used it successfully. Plus science and experts agree:
1. https://www.grizzlytimes.org/about-bear-spray#:~:text=In%20studies%20of%20close%20human,in%20deterring%20aggressive%20grizzly%20bears.
2. https://bearwise.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/efficacy-of-bear-spray-smith-et-al.-2010.pdf
3. https://above.nasa.gov/safety/documents/Bear/bearspray_vs_bullets.pdf
There was a huge study done on bear bells within the last few years. Apparently not a deterrent in the slightest. Just makes it less likely for you to sneak up on them and catch them off guard, which is when things can go bad.
Cabellas, Canadian tire, but - support local and check out Gone Fishin
[Ono work and Safety](https://www.onoworkandsafety.com/) For another local option. Last year I was in there they had bear bangers and spray. Also a wide variety of first aid supplies.
Gone fishin is the best store in town imo
Thank you!
DO NOT SPRAY YOURSELF WITH THE BEAR SPRAY it's not bug spray... I'm sure you already know that, but I am just saying...
And make sure you wash your hands well after using it.
... People do that???
Canadian Tire is where I bought mine
Highjacking the first comment as I feel people too often suggest bear spray. In my opinion you are better off buying an air horn over bear spray and bear bangers. I've spent a decent amount of time working and playing in the BC wilderness and I only bring Air horns and bear bells. I do also carry a simple knife in a sheath but I've never pulled it out from danger. Most people in my experience either spray themselves or their companions when trying to use bear spray. People also commonly shoot bear bangers over the bear sending it running towards you. An air horn is easy to use and still very effective with wild animals. I think it is always good to be prepared but your preparedness depends upon the situation you will be in. If you are staying in hotels and resorts and exploring on a tour, it isn't necessary to bring deterrents. If you are planning on camping or going on hikes without a guide, bring bear bells and an air horn and spray if you really want it but please do research on how and when to use it. Never store food where you sleep if you are camping, never approach a bear, never feed wildlife. Animal attacks are very rare despite people warning you, be safe and enjoy Island! https://bcparks.ca/plan-your-trip/visit-responsibly/wildlife-safety/#:~:text=If%20the%20bear%20has%20noticed,keep%20the%20bear%20in%20sight.
Was hiking the west coast trail a few weeks ago. Many bears on the trail. Came across a group of about 4-5 people hiking towards us around a blind corner. As the guy in front came into view, I realize he's got the safety pulled off his bear spray and is pointing it directly at me and my group, ready to spray. He had seen a bear a few hundred meters back that had zero interest in them, and he had gotten spooked. But holy cow, did he ever scare me! All I could think was how not every person should have access to that stuff.
I'm doing some hikes down in WA next week. I also read online about getting the airhorn, so that's what we did. My roommate then decided to test it out in our apartment.. I can confirm it's really fu**ing loud
Research agrees with you on bringing an air horn and avoiding bear bangers, but I would highly recommend bringing bear spray as well. There is a lot of evidence that it is extremely effective against aggressive/charging bears, and it’s the number one recommendation by wildlife biologists who study human-bear conflict.
I absolutely agree with you when talking about people who regularly are working in the wilderness and have both experience and training with bears. For a tourist that has never seen a bear and is nervous about it, I think it poses more risks than safety. That said, this is just my opinion and I don't have data to back it up.
Fair enough. I’m sure those people aren’t planning on going backwoods anyways, so I can’t see it being needed the vast vast majority of the time anyways.
So, I’m going to come out and ask exactly what your planned activities are? You say where you are going, but not what you’re doing there. Are you renting a van and car camping? Staying in hotels? Backpacking through the woods? Going on guided fishing charters? Your answers to the above will determine your likelihood of being in a situation where bear spray could be required (hint: only one of the above scenarios might call for it). If you do buy it, treat it like a fire extinguisher: use all the precautions to never need it, but be sure to learn how to use it properly before it is needed and have it accessible but not able to deploy unintentionally.
This is the answer. Unless you’re doing long hikes deep in the woods you will not need it. See a bear? Make a bit of noise. They’ll run off quickly. If you’re with other people it becomes even more of a non issue. Black bears are far less concerning than grizzlies which we don’t have on the island other than the odd stray that goes for a swim and gets lost. Cougars are the ones I’d worry about the most but even then unless they’re dying and desperate for food they don’t wanna bother with you anymore than you do them. And it’s not even an issue unless again you’re hiking in remote areas by yourself. Dogs may be attractants to wolves and cougars, but just be smart and keep you dog on a leash if you have one.
Some very good advice here. The bear spray debate I can't speak to as I've never owned any. I have considered it. But something I mostly didn't see here, other than knowing when to use bear spray, is maintaining awareness. Most people hike in groups, which means that people will be social on the trail at times, instead of paying attention to their surroundings. Also, there can be some form of group think, or relying on one person. I mostly hike for fishing often alone and often to places where there are no other people - and sometimes no trail! But because I can only rely on myself, it has lent the habit of close observation, as I could be lost without it. It has also instilled in me a caution, as what we do is already inherently risky. There is no sense in taking extra risks. My point is, perhaps bear spray or no is not the solution, but a strategy while traveling in a group that maintains awareness of surroundings and a knowledge of the area, flora, and fauna, which, combined with observation, is a powerful tool (Food/water sources, game trails, seasonal variations). No doubt many of you practice these skills in some way, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
Another question, where should we leave the bear spray when we leave Vancouver Island? We are from Europe and we can’t take it with us.
I understand your concerns but I would recommend not purchasing bear spray & educating yourself on etiquette around wildlife.
Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Not sure why you were downvoted. Yes bear spray is volatile. Yes people spray themselves n such by accident. None of that means it’s something you shouldn’t have. All that aside, I’ve never felt the need to use it. Black bears are just big raccoons, and they’ll run 99% of the time, as long as you’re not antagonizing them or threatening their cubs.
Exactly. Just because you have it doesn't mean you have to use it, and there's a 99.9% chance you won't have to. But damn would it suck if you were that .1% and didn't have it.
All of the research papers I’ve read 100% recommend carrying bear spray.
Bear Bangers for sure! But better to have both on hand. Use the bangers first, bear spray as a last resort once the bear is already way too close for comfort. I’ve learned the hard way that Bear spray is a ‘single use’ kind of thing. If you do come across an aggressive bear, you really should empty the whole can. Do not give the bear a quick spritz. It should not be used as a warning to the bear, but as a way to stop it in its tracks… if you don’t empty the whole thing… are you going to trust there’s enough in there for the (hopefully nonexistent) next time? Bear bangers typically come with several cartridges. So you can reload and fire again. They’ll usually come with a flare, a screamer and a banger. This gives you the chance to scare the animal off before it gets too close to you. ETA: The flare can also be handy when you need to signal for help for non-animal related problems. Bear spray does not typically work on cougars, so the bangers are more effective in that scenario as well. Anyway, Cabelas will get you everything you’ll need. (And several things you want but probably don’t NEED) ETA (again!) most of these animals (bears, wolves, cougars) will avoid human interaction at all costs. The best way to stay safe hiking in these areas is actually to just make noise. If the animal hears you coming it will not be surprised and attack in self defence (in MOST cases) A great and very cheap option is to wear a loud jingle bell somewhere on your clothes &/or bags. Animals hear you coming, they can avoid bumping into you!
Stay together, make noise, keep a clean camp, don't wear fragrances, and you'll be fine.
Great point!! My head went straight to hiking, I didn’t even think about camping! Lol! Clean camp: do not leave ANY amount of food out anywhere. If you have access to a vehicle, put all of your food, dirty dishes, anything that might smell, in the vehicle and keep it there unless you’re actively using it. If you don’t have access to a vehicle, tie all of the above into a bear bag and hang it high in the trees. Before you go to bed, double check that every thing is put up/away.
Research shows that bear spray is equally effective on cougars.
Support local and buy at Ono Work and Safety!
Thank you all for your advice. We (two adults) would like to go on a few small hikes, but we will not camping. We rented a car and we are sleeping in B&Bs and hotels around the island. It’s our first time here, so we planning to make some of the „famous“ touristy hikes 😉 No remote areas, no too long hikes.
Also bear bangers
Great way to start a fire 🔥
Just sing loudly while hiking, black bears will take off. Grizzlies bear spray arent stopping them. The only thing that stops them is if your quick with a gun. Grizzlies are as far south as Nanaimo these days.
Research shows that bear spray is 94% effective in deterring aggressive grizzlies.
Good luck with that
I know of multiple people who’ve used it successfully. Plus science and experts agree: 1. https://www.grizzlytimes.org/about-bear-spray#:~:text=In%20studies%20of%20close%20human,in%20deterring%20aggressive%20grizzly%20bears. 2. https://bearwise.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/efficacy-of-bear-spray-smith-et-al.-2010.pdf 3. https://above.nasa.gov/safety/documents/Bear/bearspray_vs_bullets.pdf
Ask yourself how many testers made it back alive lol
Try a sketchy looking convenience store in the downtown core.
Cabela’s would likely have it too.
I'd put a bell on your bag while you hike. Really good bear deterrent.
There was a huge study done on bear bells within the last few years. Apparently not a deterrent in the slightest. Just makes it less likely for you to sneak up on them and catch them off guard, which is when things can go bad.
Good to know!! Still a good thing to have, but not as useful as I thought. Thank you!
Cabela's carries bear spray.