So why wasn't the weapons definition changed? Stay together in a tight group. A great deal of confusion was generated about the law because it is a known fact, or it is accepted, that bear spray is legal in some of the western national parks. Only use your bear spray when the bear is charging or attacking you. Bear spray is available for sale at all of the local Smokies outfitters I checked and when asked, not one clerk told me that is was not legal to use it in the national park. Isn't the key word here "missiles" ? There have been cases where bear spray apparently repelled aggressive or attacking bears and accounts where it has not worked as well as expected. If you decide to carry bear spray, use it only in situations where aggressive bear behavior justifies its use. Below you will find all the tips and information you need to come prepared for a safe, memorable hiking experience in the … As a mater of fact one of the best known outfitters in Gatlinburg whose store is so close it is almost in the GSM national park has on their web site "Bear Spray & Personal Protection For A Safe Hike In Great Smoky Mountains National Park Or In Your Own Neighborhood". California. Answer 1 of 29: Is there a place to buy bear spray in GNP? Never keep it in your backpack while hiking—you won’t be able to reach it in time if a bear charges or attacks you. In most cases the sound of the first shot from a canister of bear spray has stopped or slowed a charging bear. Ahh, gotta love Monday mornings and a touch of sarcasm. Canadian Heritage Parks Canada advises that while bear spray can be an effective deterrent against an attacking bear, it is not foolproof and should only be used as a last resort. Most places strongly recommend it - yet I just read back on page 40-something of this forum that it is illegal in Yosemite.And I am absolutely flabbergasted. At least that is what my lawyer told me today. We know that it's better to carry a bear spray with us just in case. Some brands come in holsters with ties that prevent them from discharging. I looked into this great question and the answer is no, you can’t bring bear spray into Sequioa National Park. Bear spray is allowed in other national parks such as the Great Smoky Mountain National Park where people have been killed by black bears. Although you probably won't need to use it, the peace of mind and security of knowing you have it on your hip so you can enjoy your hiking, camping or swimming is priceless. Practice pulling the canister out of its holster and removing the safety on the trigger, but be careful to not discharge it. According to the National Park Service, bear spray "has proven to be an effective, non-lethal, bear deterrent capable of stopping aggressive behavior in bears." Always check park regulations before bringing or purchasing bear spray. Be sure the expiration date on your bear spray is current. When I asked not one told me I could not carry bear spray in the park. Point the canister at a slight downward angle and fire toward the bear. National Parks Traveler is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit media organization. Check park regulations before your trip. Visitors in bear country should carry a can of bear spray in a quickly accessible fashion. While this is all good advice, a check of the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 36, Chapter 1, see 'weapons' definition) shows those parks seem to be overlooking a prohibition against bear spray in national parks because it can be considered a weapon. Variables such as wind, spray distance, rain and canister shelf life can reduce the repellent's effectiveness. Be sure to buy EPA-approved bear spray. The applicability of a state statute pertaining to self-defense in a wildlife encounter may vary state to state and by park area and will generally take into account any provoking or negligent actions by the person. (emphasis added), Park Service officials in Washington tell the Traveler that the regulations do indeed seem to prohibit bear spray in many national parks. While many local businesses will rent bear spray, we never have and never will. Chemicals used in this weapon can be lethal and will leave a large carbon footprint when the contents are expelled. Firearms are not recommended for stopping an attack. Regulators probably wanted to clarify the allowance since bear encounters are more common in Alaskan National Parks. Answer 1 of 9: Hi, Just wondering about the multiple hiking trails in Acadia Nat'l Park. I like Frontiersman Bear Spray because it is the top rated spray I suspect that the answer lies in when the regulations were enacted. Selective enforcement of weapons laws would be a poor policy for any branch of our federal government to have. Bear spray contains 1–2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids, the key active ingredients. Bear spray is intended to be sprayed into the face of an oncoming bear. They should not provide a false sense of security. If a firearm is effectively used during an encounter, it can be lethal for the bear, while bear spray allows the bear to likely remain in the population. Spray at the charging bear so that the bear must pass through a cloud of spray; Keep spraying until the bear changes direction; If the bear continues to charge, spray into its face; Leave the area promptly; Where to Buy. The NPS strives to protect wildlife populations. Is the use of bear spray in Lower 48 national parks legal? Go search online and you will find sites advocating the use of bear spray in the park, but the bottom line is: IT IS ILLEGAL! Lack of proper bear spray use can create issues as well. Was there an Environmental Impact Study done on this chemical loaded weapon? Firearms are not a substitute for proper bear avoidance practices and knowing how to properly handle a bear encounter. Within Yosemite National Park, it is prohibited to possess or use pepper spray (including bear spray and other irritant gas devices), pellet guns, BB guns, bows and arrows, crossbows, blowguns, spearguns, hand-thrown spears, slingshots, explosive devices, or any other implements designed to discharge missiles. While it may seem like a great idea to rent Bear Spray when you visit Yellowstone National Park or Glacier, it is NOT! Well, studies show bear spray is a much more effective deterrent than a speeding bullet. Bear related injuries have increased in Yellowstone Park's backcountry since bear spray became popular. The kiosk is located at the north end of the visitor center plaza, 20 yards from the main entrance. Just change the law and the heck with everybody. However, some parks do not allow the possession or use of bear spray. Bear spray has been proven to be the most effective tool in stopping aggressive bear behavior and preventing attacks. Keep your bear spray on a … However, some parks do not allow the possession or use of bear spray. Bear spray is actually considered a weapon according to the park's regulations. You can search the entire code. I think carrying bear spray fosters overconfidence that leads to confrontations and human injuries. Photo by Counter Assault. Whoa Nellie - and I don't mean the Deli! Personal protection or law enforcement sprays aren’t strong enough to affect the bear’s senses. I doubt it. Sierra Wild, jointly operated by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management, provides an overview of allowed bear canisters in the Sierra and an overview map of where canisters are required in the Sierra. 9th?? If a firearm is used in self-defense against a bear, contact park authorities immediately. The code of federal regulations only allow for such permission under a short list of circumstances which apply mostly in support of research or other official activities, management of pack trains and horse stock or to pride for access to lands that are inaccessible without crossing park lands. Bear spray is legal for self defense in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Generally, the national parks which have witnessed the severe attacks by bears allow the sprays inside, for example, Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The only situation that I could even imagine such a thing happening is if bear spray was used as an offensive weapon against another person. Inert (non-active) cans are available for training purposes. Irritant gas is an irritant gas regardless of the form. Answer 1 of 9: My husband and I will be hiking in the Banff/Lake Louise area at the end of July/early August. This aerosol pepper derivative triggers temporarily incapacitating discomfort in bears. Have your bear spray ready. The much-publicized growth of the grizzly bear population in the Yellowstone region occured outside the park--Yellowstone was full. Not sure how large a carbon footprint these devices would leave, and since the "Brady group" is focused on firearms, and since bear spay is recognized as being "non-lethal," not sure they'd be interested in pursuing bear spray or mace matters. I am Looking forward to seeing how this turns out. Is it recommended that hikers carry bear spray? "Bear pepper spray may be carried by hikers within Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the strict purpose of protection against bodily harm from aggressive wildlife." Changing regulations is a difficult process that few are willing to undertake unless there issue at hand is significant. Grizzly bears are a real, dangerous threat. Bears are more reluctant to attack or charge a group of people than they are one lone person. No public comments. Think about it this way; a new un-tampered with can of bear spray can be the difference between going home or never getting to see Yellowstone again. An older posting in this forum titled: "Bear Spray is ILLEGAL in Great Smoky Mountains Nat Park!" Bear spray is sold at gift shops, outdoor stores, service stations, and bookstores inside the park, as well as in local communities. Anytime you're in bear country, you should have bear spray with you Whether you're trail running, biking or hiking... whether it's a short hour long hike or a multi-day backpacking hike, you should always have it readily available. To intimate that a park superintendent can choose to authorize the possession of firearms at will is a bit of a mischaracterization. While not permitted in all national parks, bear spray is less restricted than guns in certain places. From a public health standpoint, encouraging or requiring park visitors to carry bear bear spray makes sense; after all, the Yellowstone authorities don't have to purchase and carry all those … Bear spray and firearms are the last tools in your toolbox. Federal regulations prohibit the use or discharge of any weapon within a park area. Is there a source that you can point me to that shows that the superintendent has this power? Factors influencing effectiveness include distance, wind, rainy weather, temperature extremes, and product shelf life. Thanks in advance You can also use spray with less fear of injuring someone if you miss. With all the debate lately over whether visitors should be allowed to carry weapons in national parks, much has been said about the need for protection against wild animals, bears in particular. Always be upwind if possible. Pepper Power® bear spray from a kiosk near the Canyon Visitor Education Center. It's worth noting that any superintendent could make the same exception to allow firearms. According to Yosemite’s official website: “the possession, use, or discharge of pepper spray (including bear spray), pellet guns, and BB guns in Yosemite National Park is prohibited.”. Bear spray is illegal unless a park superintendent makes an exception to the Code of Federal Regulations for his or her particular park. It is not intended to act as a repellent. "Bear spray" long has been recommended by national parks in the West as a great deterrent against grizzly and black bears. Such permission is quite rare as it cannot be legally granted to just anyone who asks. I know about the wild, not about park hierarchy, park legal issues or park politics. Be sure to check if your brand of bear spray is allowed in certain parks, or allowed outside of the United States if you’re travelling in a park that shares an international border. Practice using bear spray before you go hiking, so you know what to do when the time comes. And as far as bear spray goes, I see the point that it may technically fit the CFR description of a weapon. We will be staying 2 days at Lake McDonald and then 5 at Many Glacier? Are there any cases of rangers citing people for carrying bear spray? Check park regulations before your trip. Always keep bear spray secure, and never leave it in your enclosed, hot vehicle when it’s not being carried. An injured bear will be more aggressive, especially during a fight. While federal regulations seemingly prohibit bear spray in national parks outside of Alaska, park superintendents have the authority to override that ban within their parks, according to officials at Grand Teton National Park. incorrectly claims that bear spray is illegal in the National Parks. Photo by Counter Assault. Know when to spray it. Indeed, among those parks endorsing bear spray are Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. But we don't want carry extra stuff with us either. It’s also harder to hit a charging bear with a firearm rather than bear spray, and a firearm can be dangerous to any hiking partners. No public review. National Parks Traveler 2019-2020 Annual Report, Title 36, Chapter 1, see 'weapons' definition, language that specifically allows the use of bear spray in Alaskan parks, Take A Virtual Tour Of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park With This Video, National Parks Traveler Episode 106: Yellowstone Needs And Successes, Big Cypress Drilling. Bear pepper spray may be carried by hikers within Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the strict purpose of protection against bodily harm from aggressive wildlife. If we can't purchase it in the park, where else can we get it? It is a non-toxic and non-lethal means of deterring bears. Many law enforcement or personal protection sprays shoot out in a narrow stream instead of a dispersed cloud, which makes it harder to hit a charging bear. EPA registered bear sprays have a minimum content of 7.6 oz or 215 grams. Many can testify to the effectiveness of bear pepper spray as a bear deterrent, from bear specialists to outfitters, guides, and hunters. How many people were cited? A tear gas cannister would be a missile but not a spray? It’s the only kind that’s effective enough to ward off or stop an aggressive bear. However, having been a law enforcement ranger for may years, I have never heard of any person incurring legal consequence for carrying the stuff. Not only will the effective use of bear spray save you from an attack, but it also can reduce the number of bears killed in self-defense, the agency notes. This can put park rangers and other park visitors at risk if a wounded bear must be tracked down. So, here’s what you do: on your last hike in Glacier National Park, hand your bear spray off to someone in the parking lot that does not have bear spray. [Text] Dan Rafla - Resource Management Officer - Banff National Park Don't have it in your backpack, or have it on your belt or on the loop of you … The Latest Articles from the National Parks Traveler. This is all spelled out in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36 Section 2.4 and available on the internet. Actually, a superintendent's authority to permit the carrying of firearms is extremely limited. Bear spray is the recommended tool for self defense against a bear. Bear Aware LLC rents 9.2 oz. I am not making a judgment yet as to if I am for or against the law but as with any "weapon", I am not against having to get a permit after being properly trained. There's a small... Yellowstone National Park But backcountry use was about the same all those years. I just packed my 2 cans of bears spray in my checked bag and went to the TSA website, just in case....It states that bear spray is not allowed in checked or carry on bags. Know how to use your bear spray. You are making huge assumptions that simply does not agree with the current law. It is recommended that you carry bear spray when hiking in bear country. And the bear population in Yellowstone Park was probably the same. Though there is nothing wrong in carrying these sprays as a safety measure still few parks restrict them like Yosemite National park and Sierra National Forest. More and more people carry bear pepper spray in the field, professionals, outfitters, and everyday hikers and campers. SUMMARY: Proposal to loosen rules on firearms in parks a long shot Bear spray is legal, effective deterrent in parks - Sunday, January 20, … If you are out hiking, whether it is a tenth of a mile or a backcountry adventure, it is essential to carry bear spray for your safety. Using a firearm during a bear attack may only worsen the attack. It is recommended that you carry bear spray when hiking in bear country. Thanks to Christoper Hibbard at Your Smokies for bringing this issue to the Traveler's attention. Maybe they don’t realize it, but by hiking without bear pepper spray in Glacier National Park, you are putting your life at risk. The original weapons definition was probably enacted well before the use of OC spray to stop bear attacks and most likely was referring to tear gases like CS gas. From 1988-1997, there were 8 bear related injuries. However, if you go directly to the NPS webpage for Great Smoky Mountains NP, it clearly states that "Bear pepper spray may be carried by hikers within Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the … When an aggressive charging bear is within 60 feet of you, this is the time to use it! The numbers +/- 5 may be to close to draw conclusions, but with anything to do with the outdoors or wild animals: overconfidence kills. Your statement about a park superintendent being able to make an exception to the Code of Federal Regulations for his or her particular park is huge news to me. Indeed, among those parks endorsing bear spray are Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. Me and my gf planing to go backpacking in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National park in June. The Alaska reg was probably created after OC spray came into common use for repelling both human and bear attacks. I'm can't prove there's a direct cause and effect: More people carrying bear spray = more bear related injuries. Since bears are pretty active in the summer. Just don't take it with you to Canada. I think the Brady group should file a lawsuit to force an EIP? "Bear spray" long has been recommended by national parks in the West as a great deterrent against grizzly and black bears. And they point out that while there is language that specifically allows the use of bear spray in Alaskan parks elsewhere in the Code of Federal Regulations, "(T)here is not a provision for it in the Lower 48 for some reason.". Snow, rain, and cold weather will decrease spray distance. Good question. Have your bear spray ready. At Glacier, officials also recommend bear spray, although they stress that you shouldn't gain a false sense of security by carrying a can or two. Weapon means a firearm, compressed gas or spring-powered pistol or rifle, bow and arrow, crossbow, blowgun, speargun, hand-thrown spear, slingshot, irritant gas device, explosive device, or any other implement designed to discharge missiles, and includes a weapon the possession of which is prohibited under the laws of the State in which the park area or portion thereof is located. In fact, several national parks even go so far as to recommend carrying the spray when hiking. From 1998-2007, there were 13 injuries. It should not be applied to people, tents, packs, other equipment or surrounding area as a repellent. Check out the Cornell University Law site at: www.law.cornell.edu/cfr. Wounded bears can be even more dangerous. Here's a snippet from a transcript to a video Yellowstone's staff (see accompanying videocast) produced on bear spray: When bear encounters do occur, one response has been effective in consistently reducing the number of bear attacks with severe outcomes, the use of bear pepper spray. Im not sure why you asked me this question, its waaay out of my lane. When a bear attacks or charges you, spray a cloud between you and the bear, and be ready to spray multiple times or empty the can. Bear spray is easy to use without much experience, and it’s a highly effective tool for stopping or deterring attacks. Keep your bear spray on a belt holster or on a chest holster at all times. Bear spray is available for rent at Canyon Village. The statistics for Denali National Park are similar. Bear spray should also be readily available in the sleeping, cooking, and toilet areas of backcountry camps. Never spray on skin, clothing, camping gear, or other personal items. If those who interpret the reg in the field (park rangers) read the weapons definition to mean tear gas canisters and not bear spray, then it is a non-issue. Strong winds will affect spray distance and direction. We will be doing moderate level hikes of 10 miles or so. We've been camping/backpacking a long time in CO and WY and have carried bear spray for years. The best defense against bear attack is avoidance. If it is a non issue why was I contacted by a senior in the GSMNP? Yellowstone authorities promotes bear spray because they figure that if they encourage park visitors to carry bear spray, every so often that policy will save a life or prevent a serious injury. Denali National Park – selected areas; canister rent is free. Other Weapons. I am upset at the lack of transparency and what appears to be selective enforcement. Is it recommended to carry bear spray especially since we will be there hiking this fall from Oct. 3rd to Oct. Spray “Bear Spray” only as a last resort, but before dropping to the ground. Different story up there. Considerations. Have the right bear spray. While firearms have been effective at stopping an attack, they aren’t recommended. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Bear spray is not meant to be worn; it’s an irritant. If a bear is wounded with a firearm, it can potentially be defensive or aggressive.

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