Bear Spray Research Paper

Bear spray is referred to as both a repellent and a deterrent. The latter is actually the true description of a bear spray. It is used to deter an attack, not repel a bear away from an area such as you might use mosquito repellent to keep mosquitoes away.
Bear spray is derived from the oil of hot peppers. This oil, or Oleoresin Capsicum, is a natural derivative and the safest type of chemical used in pepper sprays. It is very effective in causing inflammation of the mucous membranes in the facial area, temporarily blinding and restricting the breathing of the subject, in this case an attacking bear.
Although bears rarely attack humans, there are certain times of the year when their activity becomes heightened, such as in the fall when they are trying to store up enough fat in their system to last through the winter hibernation. They actually go into a feeding frenzy where their appetite and food intake are increased dramatically. This is also the time of year when hunters are out hunting elk and deer. An elk or deer that has been killed by a hunter is a prime food source for a hungry bear. It has already been killed for him and all he has to do is move in and feed on it. He might …show more content…
It actually works better in stopping an advancing bear than a gun does. Shooting a bear with a gun can actually make the situation worse, causing pain and anger in the bear if it is not killed with the first shot. A bluff charge from a bear can turn into an attack if shot with a gun, whereas the pepper spray creates a fog-like invisible wall an advancing bear slams into. It causes immediate temporary blindness and struggle for breath, making the bear retreat or at least stop in its tracks in confusion and pain. However, when the effects wear off within the hour, the bear will not suffer any lingering problems and will most likely rethink approaching humans