Are You Prepared for the Wilderness?

While encountering a bear in the wild can be an unforgettable experience, it can also be dangerous. Luckily the chances of being attacked by a bear in Canada are relatively low as there are only about 40 reported bear attacks per year. That being said, whenever you venture into the wild, it is always better to be prepared for any situation. 

Continue reading for our top tips for staying safe when heading into the woods, whether for work or play!

Bear Sprays

Here are some important and interesting facts about bear spray in Canada;

1. Bear Spray is effective at stopping aggressive bears more than 90% of the time.
2. The main differences between extra strength bear spray and regular bear spray lie in their concentration of capsaicinoids.
3. Capsaicinoids are the natural compounds found in chili peppers that cause irritation and pain when they come into contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
4. Extra strength bear spray often boasts a longer effective range and spray duration compared to regular bear spray. This means it can reach the bear from a greater distance and maintain its deterrent effect for a longer period, providing more time for the user to retreat to safety.
5. Regular spray has an effective range of five metres, however extra strength sprays have a range of 10.5 metres.
6. You never know when you may encounter an aggressive wild animal, thus carrying a bottle on your person with a holster is a great option for quick access.

Alternatives to Bear Spray

Minimizing wild animal interactions can help further mitigate risks, whether you're out walking your dog, or getting ready for a day of work in a deep forest.

A great tool to add to your wilderness safety kit is a variation of a noise/flare gun to help scare away any potentially dangerous animals from crossing your path.