Bear safety starts with YOU!

When it comes to bear spray, TrailQuipt has you covered. Just remember that your knowledge and behavior are your first line of defense. Here are some things to bear in mind.

Black Bear or Grizzly?

Though black bears and grizzly bears look similar, they are different species that exhibit different behaviors, so it’s important to know the difference.

Generally speaking, grizzly bears are much more dangerous than black bears. Black bears will most often run from humans, except in rare cases when black bears may approach in a predatory manner or just out of curiosity.

When it comes to identifying a bear, color is not a reliable distinguishing characteristic. Black bears range in color from blonde to black, and grizzly bears vary in their appearance depending on the bear, the lighting, or the moisture on their coat.

Look for these distinguishing features:

Surprising a bear is the most common reason for an attack.

A surprised bear will often attack defensively, especially when cubs or a carcass are close by. This could happen before you ever know the bear is there, so always stay alert.

How fast can a bear charge?

See for yourself!

At full speed, a bear can move 50 feet per second. As you practice removing bear spray from its holster and removing the safety clip, try to envision how much ground a bear could cover in that same amount of time.
Because of how quickly an attack can happen, it is critical that you keep bear spray on your person while hiking, never inside your pack.

To avoid a surprise encounter, always take these precaution:

Stay Alert! Use your eyes, ears, and nose to constantly monitor your surroundings while out in bear country.

Hike in groups of 3 or more. The more the bearier! Er, uh, you get the point.

Make noise by clapping your hands and using your voice, especially when entering a new area or when visibility is limited. If you’re not sure what to say, say “Hey bear!” or “Coming through!”

Stay on maintained trails. Be aware of bear management areas, which are closed to hiking at certain times of year.

Avoid carcasses. This just happens to be good advice in general.

If you see a bear:

If you see a bear, never approach it. The National Park Service requires that visitors maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from bears.

If the bear does not see you, back away to a safe distance and choose an alternate route, maintaining a healthy distance from the bear.

If the bear does see you and you are at close range, this is a potentially dangerous encounter.

If you have bear spray, have it out and ready to use.
Do not run. This could trigger a chase response from the bear.
Remain calm.
Slowly back away from the bear.
Say, "It's okay bear, or "I'm leaving bear," to let the bear know you are a human.

The National Park Service requires that visitors maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from bears

Look out for a bear giving these warning signs:

Huffing
Jaw popping
Low growls

Listen to these vocalizations

These behaviors indicate that the bear is uncomfortable with your presence and may decide to act aggressively.

A bear standing on its hind legs is getting a vantage point to try to determine what you are. No matter the behavior being displayed, never approach a bear.

If a bear attacks:

(Remember, this can happen very quickly)

Stand your ground, and arm your bear spray by removing the safety clip if you have not done so already. Climbing a tree is generally not a good idea since bears can move quickly, stand tall, reach high, and may even climb trees themselves!

Deploy your bear spray when the bear is 30-60 feet away. Aim slightly downward, creating a barrier of fog that the bear must pass through before making contact with you.

Spray until the bear changes direction. If the bear continues toward you, spray directly into its face

Each canister will spray continuously for about 7 seconds. Use it wisely!

Leave the area promptly.

Bear Spray Usage Tips | Yellowstone National Park

If a grizzly bear makes contact with you during a surprise attack, play dead!

Statistically, this is the best thing to do because it shows the bear that you are not a threat.

Lie face down on the ground with your legs spread apart, protecting your neck and head with your hands as much as possible.

Leave your backpack on if you have one, as it may protect your back.

If the bear rolls you over, continue rolling until you are face down again.

Remain still for several minutes after the attack has stopped.

Move slowly and cautiously as you evaluate the situation and ensure that the bear is gone before leaving the area.

How to Use Bear Spray:

To Arm and Apply: This product is designed for one-handed operation. Place forefinger through hole in handle with thumb on safety clip curl. Pull safety clip straight back and off using thumb (Fig. 1).

To Arm and Apply: This product is designed for one-handed operation. Place forefinger through hole in handle with thumb on safety clip curl. Pull safety clip straight back and off using thumb (Fig. 1).

Depress actuator tab for burst of spray (Fig. 2). Aim at face and eyes of bear. Press trigger for 2 seconds in order to create a barrier of spray between you and the bear. Stop to evaluate the impact of wind and other factors and adjust your aim if needed before spraying again.

Depress actuator tab for burst of spray (Fig. 2).Aim at face and eyes of bear. Press trigger for 2 seconds in order to create a barrier of spray between you and the bear. Stop to evaluate the impact of wind and other factors and adjust your aim if needed before spraying again.

To Disarm: Replace safety clip by firmly pushing with thumb until audible “snap” is heard (Fig. 3). Check to see if safety clip is securely in place. No gap should be visible between the actuator handle and the safety clip.

To Disarm: Replace safety clip by firmly pushing with thumb until audible “snap” is heard (Fig. 3). Check to see if safety clip is securely in place. No gap should be visible between the actuator handle and the safety clip.

Did you know?

Grizzly Bear Facts:

Lifespan: 20-30 years

Average Body Mass: adult male = 413 lb (187 kg); adult female = 269 lb (122 kg)

Eyesight: similar to that of humans; color and night vision

Speed: 35-40 mph

Senses: A bear can smell a carcass upwind up to 20 miles away.

Bite force: 1200 PSI. This is the 9th strongest among animals in the world!

Period of Courtship: mid-May through mid-July

Reproductive rate: Female grizzly bears give birth about every 3 years and average 2 cubs per litter.

Renting Is Easy

Protect yourself, our ecosystem, and your peace of mind with TrailQuipt bear spray rentals in Yellowstone National Park.

Find TrailQuipt

Rent Bear Spray for Yellowstone National Park

1. Rent

Reserve ahead of time or walk right in! Through our secure locker system, you get bear spray for as long as you need it.

Enjoy Your Adventure with TrailQuipt Bear Spray

2. Adventure

Carry your bear spray and know how to use it.

Return TrailQuipt Bear Spray to one of the convenient Yellowstone National Park Locations

3. Return

Return your unused, undamaged canister to one of our convenient locations, and you will only pay for your rental fee plus tax.