Protect yourself in the forest with bear spray

Even if you are not a hunter, as an RVer you likely spend some time hiking or fishing in areas frequented by bears, such as national and state forests and parks. Doing so in Spring can bring danger, as it’s an active time for bears as they come out of hibernation, cranky and hungry.

Though the vast majority of us will never have an encounter with an aggressive bear, just having a means to protect ourselves and our hiking and camping party adds peace of mind when visiting the great outdoors. In areas with heavy concentrations of bears, like Montana’s Glacier National Park, bear spray is sold in many stores as well as rented by the day.

A good bear spray, like the UDAP #12 (produced by a grizzly bear attack survivor), can provide that feeling of added safety. You can stop an angry, charging bear with this amazingly effective deterrent. UDAP Bear Spray has been proven effective in dozens of bear attacks.

During a bow-hunt over a decade ago, Mark Matheny was attacked by a grizzly bear and suffered numerous bite lacerations in the head and neck. Mark’s wounds would have been much worse, if not fatal, had it not been for a burst from a pepper spray that ended the attack.

Mark’s experience changed his life. Since then, he has dedicated himself to improving a product designed to safeguard people against maulings, and to help them coexist with wildlife.

The result is this spray, which consists of a super-hot, oil-based formula that instantly affects eye, nose and lung tissue to stop a charge. This formula is non-lethal, EPA registered, has a 30-foot range, and is tested to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is legal to carry across the Canadian border (the last time we checked. Be sure you double check before you cross). It also is equipped with glow-in-the-dark safety cap for quick reference. A hip holster is included. Spray canister is 7.9 ounces.  Formulated and filled in the USA.

The bear spray is available at Cabela’s for about $45.