I don't know, in my books a 98% chance of walking away relatively unharmed if I come into contact with an an aggressive bear makes any hassle or potential discomfort from the after effects worthwhile.

For me, the improved likelihood of me walking away from such a situation is more important than the possibility of experiencing discomfort or inconvenience if I walk away from the encounter.

It's also worth noting the likelihood of experiencing discomfort if you use spray against a bear based on the data that's available. Tom Smith's research paper on the 83 known bear spray incidents in Alaska (the one I linked to above) noted that in 10 cases the user reported minor irritation and in 2 cases near incapacitation was reported.

All that said, it is definitely a good warning to be extra careful regarding the storage of spray; I might have to move mine out of the dresser in my bedroom! That also reminds me, I've been meaning to look into making a storage & transport container out of PVC pipe with a screw on cap (something along these lines).


I think this is absolutely necessary; from what I understand, bears are attracted to the ingredients in the spray after it's been dispersed (it is food) and are therefore likely to return.