Amy came face-to-face with a black bear while cycling outside Dawson City, Yukon. In this article, you will read all about it. If you do, the pepper spray will run down your body and onto your genitals. Furthermore, you will experience a heavy runny nose, coughing fits and difficulty speaking. Wash Skin with cool soapy water for at least 15 minutes. They need to stay still, breathe normally, and relax. It hinders the bear from breathing deeply in and out when it attacks. Otherwise, you can also go to the following places: Those who get bear spray in their face experience swelling and irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and lungs. Otherwise, Dawn Dishwasher soap or Powdered Tide Soap will work just as well. found that bear spray stopped a bear's "undesirable behavior" in 92% of cases. 30 seconds is way too much even brand new. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 7.9 ounces of net weight or 225 grams of spray, 8.1 ounces of net weight or 230 grams of spray. Of all persons carrying sprays, 98% were uninjured by bears in close-range encounters. The propellant is responsible for releasing the solvent into the air, so if this begins to deplete, the product loses its effectiveness. (Can I Bring It on an Aeroplane?). We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. So make sure to keep these tips in mind, research your local laws for effective usage and disposal of bear spray, and remember to self-check the spray before heading out. Bear spray is non-toxic, but it is painful stuff, which is why, as a bear deterrent, it has saved people's lives. All of these ingredients together make the solution, and the solution is released in the form of the spray that creates a form of fog. Using this spray on a bear will irritate its eyes and nose, while also swelling its mucus membranes that lead to shortness of breath and panic. It should go without saying, but make sure you get treated right away if youve got bear spray on your face. From personal experience, I'd suggest using at least 4 liters of water, since it took me around a dozen washes to get the OC out of my eyes, when I accidentally sprayed the bear mace downwind. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Best Self-Defense Weapons for Women (that really work! Spray on chrome generally lasts up to 5 years, depending on the surface it is applied to and the environmental conditions it is exposed to. Check for any stray breeze and make sure you stand upwind because you dont want even a whiff of it to get near you. According to experts, bear spray is more harmful than regular pepper spray in terms of the level of intensity, the distance covered, and the way it is dispensed. Approximately 30-45 minutes after being sprayed. Bear spray manufacturers print an expiry date on all their products, not because the product becomes ineffective, but because the pressure inside the aerosol canister drops. Since there are several brands of bear spray on the market (such as UDAP, Counter Assault, Frontiersman Bear Spray, and Mace Brand Bear Attack Survival Spray), it is impossible to provide an exact duration. Bear spray is intended to deter an aggressive or charging bear; a user points the canister at an aggressive bear and sprays the contents for 23 seconds. Only the range of the spray is affected. Often full-attack grizzlies lower their heads as they come in, so thats about all you have to aim at. Bear Spray, Maximum Strength https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIvpLzHiCrg, How to Use Bear Spray Banff National Park (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIvpLzHiCrg), How to handle a wild boar encounter in the wilderness. According to experts, it is recommended to spray bears or other wild animals at a distance of about 25 to 35 feet. Each 1.5 oz. Lightly spray the bear again if the aerosol did not have the desired effect on the animal. Does bear spray expire? Required fields are marked *. The spray does not usually last that long because the pressure in the canister decreases over time. But its of no use if the spray is too old and has lost its usefulness. The same applies for spray canisters that have been left in temperature extremes (below freezing point or above 50 degrees Celsius). It usually is somewhere between four and eight seconds. Bear spray self-defense products work by propelling highly-concentrated hot pepper extract at the animal, as previously mentioned. If youre still not sure about something, feel free to comment any queries below. Bear deterrents dispense in a fog pattern vs. There are reasons why bear spray should be the first choice for anybody recreating in bear country, he says, pointing to Smiths research in Alaska that showed bear spray to be 92 percent effective in deterring attacks by grizzly, black and polar bears. Usually, the expiration date of a bear spray is stamped on its bottle, and it has a shelf-life of 3-4 years. 2y. Another thing to consider is flexibility. Lastly, the price is another thing to consider. Pro tip: Always keep it within reach (in an external pocket or backpack). The active ingredient in pepper spray is oleoresin capsicum, an oily extract derived from peppers. You can do so at Bactrax in Banff (225 Bear Street) or Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise (101 Lake Louise Drive). She has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry. The pepper remains potent, but the effectiveness of the spray may be reduced. As the spray continues to age and the canister loses even more pressure, it will stop ejecting any spray at all, leaving you completely defenseless. The symptoms will last for a couple minutes and depending upon how much was sprayed, there will most likely be no scarring. Ultimately, due to the chemical CN in mace, its classified as a type of tear gas. While estimates of bear spray success rates range from 90 to 98%, humans are injured in 50% of bear confrontations where the human uses a firearm*. What to Do if You Get Bear Spray on the Skin? How long does bear spray last in the air? Technically, expired bear spray can still work if we are talking about the potency of the spray itself. The most important lesson: Do not take a shower immediately after getting pepper-sprayed. UDAP recommends replacing their product after just three years. Primer can take up to 1-4 hours, depending upon the factors which can influence the primer dry time. [8] The product produced by the company he founded, Counter Assault, became the first Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered aerosol bear spray. Carry bear spray within immediate reach, preferably in a holster. When the pain gets better, clean the pepper off with some oil-free soap (such as a dishwashing liquid) and cold water. Hunt's thesis[7] was published by the U.S. Well, the chance of this happening is minimal, but you never know. OC can also create an intense burning sensation on the surface of the skin. Read the label on the can to find out how long you can use your spray continuously. Heres what happens behind the scenes when you pull the trigger: Now, as we get into the more technical stuff its worth mentioning that theres a particular gas propellant thats used in most models on the market. Bear spray is quite potent and serves as a shield against bears and wild animals while on hikes in forests and in wooded areas. This way the pepper exposure in the air wont travel as fast and the victim can get out into the fresh air safely. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. about 45 minutesA non-oil based mild soap or detergent can be used to remove bear spray from skin. The Fox Labs Pepper Spray produces 5.3 Million SHU (Scoville Heat Units), making it the worlds hottest and strongest pepper spray. How Long For Primer To Dry? That is why flexibility is a great way to judge a product's quality. It analyzed 66 field uses of bear spray between 1984 and 1994 and found that, in 15 of 16 close encounters with aggressive brown bears, bear spray was effective in stopping the bear's unwanted . In a 2008 review of bear attacks in Alaska from 1985 to 2006, Smith et al. Does bear spray expire straight to zero as soon as it hits its use by date? Animals and people temporarily experience intense burning sensations, which wear off in 30 to 45 minutes. Put simply, it wont spray as effectively as before. Never just throw away your used bear spray. Do not store it in the trunk of a vehicle, under the seat, in the garage, or in places exposed to direct sunlight or icy conditions. If you get sprayed in the face, fill a bowl with the solution and immerse your face for up to 15 seconds. It notes the effects of bear spray on humans should dissipate within 45 minutes, but that affected individuals should be closely monitored for signs such as chest pain, cold sweat, or shallow. When used correctly, it can deter an aggressive bear. This is why it is advised to keep an additional, fresh can of bear spray handy just in case the first one fails to unsettle the wild animal. The time before bear spray wears off varies. She loves to cook and bake, and shes always experimenting with new recipes. Whats The Best Knife Sharpener In 2020? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. BEAR SPRAY IS A DETERRENT made of red pepper oil (oleoresin of capsaicin). Aim slightly downward in front of the bear's head. The personal-defense pepper spray some people carry in their cars or purses will not work on a bear, Servheen says. This is how to properly use your bear spray in 5 simple steps: And dont forget to stay fully alert as you back away since you cant be 100% sure that the bear wont follow you. Manage Settings If it aligns with the estimated range given on the can, the bear spray isnt expired and can be effective in preventing bear attacks. [24], "Reactions of free-ranging black bears to capsaicin spray", "Meet the man who changed humans' relationship with bears", "Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Bear Spray Report June 2008", "Behavioral Responses of Bears to Tests of Repellents, Deterrents, and Aversive Conditioning", "Pepper Spray: Frequently Asked Questions", "How a Potent Pepper Spray Became the Best Bear Repellent", "Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska", "How Have Yellowstone Backpackers Changed? Survival Kit for Natural Disasters: A Comprehensive Guide, Survival tips and tricks in the wilderness. In general, you can say that the painful effects of the chemicals in the spray disappear after 15 to 45 minutes. With time, the propellants power gradually reduces until there is no pressure left in the can. Black bears are excellent climbers. (The spray wears off after an hour or two, and there is no lasting harm done to the bear, he adds. Check all the above and buy a well-known brand. It depends on the dose the bear receives. However, for maximum effectiveness, the spray should be deployed at half the distance of its maximum spray distance. But since the propellant aka the aerosol depletes over time, the solution will eventually become watered down and the pressure will be reduced to a minimum. How to pick the right one? "[1] In "Living with Grizzlies," the U.S. Bear spray works by shooting aerosol bursts of particles derived from hot red pepper extract (usually capsaicin) that temporarily incapacitates the animal. With bear spray, that means the bear could be within striking distance before it starts to take effect. Spray paint on metal can be significantly impacted by factors . Ensure the safety clip stays securely in place, so you dont lose it. Standard pepper sprays have around 1 million SHUs, while bear sprays pack 3 million SHUs, so its about three times as potent as the self-defense products. Is Bear Spray the Same as Pepper Spray? The extract from peppers used in pepper spray is called Oleoresin capsicum. Your email address will not be published. Pat dry with a towel; do not rub. Dont climb a tree. On a close-in, charging bear, this will probably be the face or upper chest. Note that the oil-based chili pepper extract is very sticky and tenacious. What happens when the bear spray expires? This will give you an estimate of the distance the bear spray can cover effectively. If you want to avoid nasty surprises while hiking or camping in Banff National Park, its wise to bring bear spray with you. Bear spray is a very effective deterrent when used properly. Seek medical help for further treatment. Pepper spray produces a jet meant to incapacitate a person near you. This gas propellant is what forms the visible cloud that we call spray when its mixed with the capsaicin chemicals. How Long Does Bear Spray Last on Skin? I can imagine little worse than trying to defend myself against an angry bear only to find that, instead of a blast of spray, all I got was a gentle puff. "[22], Bear sprays are considered a pesticide in the U.S. and must be registered with the EPA. Lastly, with commercial products always having a slim chance of unreliability, it is a smart idea to carry at least two canisters with you on a trip, as a contingency, in case one can fails to fire for whatever reason. Additionally, when placing it in a backpack or in hiking gear, make sure the spray opening is closed, ensure there are no leaks and for extra caution keep the spray in an easily accessible pocket. What makes Marilyn stand out from other chefs is her unique approach to cooking. Using bear spray on humans may not be explicitly barred by law, but you can still be arrested or sued if not acting in self defense (pranks, random TikTok trends, etc). Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Its highly unsafe to use bear spray on others, because bear sprays are very high-volume compared to normal pepper spray. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Get the complete truth on its shelf life and more below! In the improbable event that several bears attack at once, the spray will likely no longer be sufficient. As a former Banffite, I love writing about my favorite piece on the globe. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. For the black bear, that estimate lies around 40,000 for Alberta. If it isnt taken care of immediately, bear spray can cause permanent eye damage, wheezing, and trouble speaking. How many different types of pepper spray are there? What does bear mace do to a human? The majority of the spray's effects should be gone in 30 to 45 minutes. Sprays, on the other hand, even highly-effective are still affected by outside factors like wind direction, which might lead to a rather tricky situation. This ultimately impacts the release of the pepper and so, the bear spray becomes ineffective and is considered to be expired. Finding the right place to eat can be frustrating when dealing with a gluten intolerance. Heres how you can do it: Bear spray, on human and animal skin, lasts for about 20 minutes after which the adverse effects (like difficulty with breathing, trouble opening the eyes, coughing, and throat irritation) start to wear off. It also depends on the size of the canister, the smaller the size, the more the reduction in the ability to perform well. The bear may later return to the scene of the attack, so make sure you leave it as soon as possible. With bear spray in your pocket, you can make your stay in the park as safe and thus as pleasant as possible. Tips on How to Check if the Bear Spray has Expired. If youve used a bear repellent canister on one outdoor hike considerably (but not fully emptied it yet), its better to replace it with a new one for the next trip, since using it may have accelerated the deterioration of the seal holding the aerosol propellant inside the canister, which, could have compromised its spray range. (Detailed Explanation). The active ingredient (i.e. Bear spray contains different active ingredients (capsaicin and related capsaicinoids) than pepper spray. It just never fails to impress me. So please read this post before you head out. Bears have a sense of smell thats 2100 times better than that of humans! By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Depending on where you live, you might be able to drop the canister off at a designated household hazardous waste drop-off point or a designated fire station. The capsaicin in products sold in the U.S. are regulated by the EPA, under the FIFRA act by Congress. You can now feel that much safer during your next adventures in the wilderness as you know how a bear spray works. Bears just need a much smaller amount of capsaicin than us in order to be incapacitated. Tasers vs Pepper Spray: Which Is Best For Self-Defense? However, OC causes no permanent damage to people or bears. Capsaicin causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with the skin, while the primary effects of this chemical are pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation. Upon direct contact with eyes, respiratory system and mucous membranes, the active ingredients in the pepper spray will cause eyes to slam shut, coughing, and an intense burning sensation to the skin. 19 Things You Need to Know About Bear Spray (Explained!). How long does bear spray last on a surface? . For properly disinfecting allow the surface to remain wet for 3 minutes. Bushcraftpro.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Can Mace And Nutmeg Be Used Interchangeably. Bear sprays were also invented in order to lessen the number of bears being killed by tourists who were attacked while hiking into the woods. How to Correctly Dispose Off Expired Bear Spray? Some national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton, offer this service. WHEN THE BEAR IS 20-30 FT (6-10 M) away, give a 1-2 second blast. Your email address will not be published. On medium shades, it can last between 7-8 days. Bears are known to fatally attack only a relatively small number of backpackers in North America every decade, out of many millionsfor instance, about 45,000 backcountry backpackers camp overnight in Yellowstone per year,[14] roughly half of whom (48 percent) do not carry bear spray. On lighter skin tones, it may last for five days. This site is a participant in affiliate networks like Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Hotel affiliate Program by Booking.com. ), Is It Legal To Fly With Pepper Spray? Still, its not as bad as the smell of pepper sprays, which is even stronger and sharper. How long does bear mace last on surface? How long do the effects of bear mace last? If you want to protect yourself from aggressive and harmful bears this pepper spray can be a good solution. capsaicinoids, a carrier e.g. A Foolproof Guide to a Successful Buck Hunt. Depending on the manufacture brand, canister size, and weather conditions, the canister can spray between 18 to 35 feet and last 6-10 seconds. The spray makes a fog in the air, causing severe irritation in the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and lungs, temporarily disabling the bear. Remember to stay still and breathe normally. PEOPLE HAVE FENDED OFF MOUNTAIN LIONS WITH STICKS, ROCKS, EVEN A PEN. Water alone is not as effective. The key active ingredients of bear spray are 12% capsaicin, and related capsaicinoids.[9][10]. This very effective non-lethal weapon shoots highly-concentrated capsaicin extract derived from hot peppers that should stop any bear. 15 full color in-depth survival, off grid and prepping guides. Bear spray is highly recommended when hiking or camping in Banff National Park. This is because you dont have to aim bear spray precisely at the bear. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dispose of bear spray properly: Generally, when bear spray is sprayed in a room, the lasting effects will depend upon how well ventilated the room is. dishwashing liquid). Do you plan on carrying expired bear spray, read this before. This will allow the animal to divert its charge and run away instead of run towards you. All bear-inflicted injuries (n=3) associated with defensive spraying involved brown bears and were relatively minor (i.e., no hospitalization required). Bear spray is easy to use without much experience, and its a highly effective tool for stopping or deterring attacks. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. IMMEDIATELY ACCESSIBLE BEAR SPRAY: Easy to access Highly-effective against wild animals (such as bears), Legal to use in most states and countries, You can accidentally spray yourself if the wind is blowing your way, Aim slightly down and make sure to stay upwind, Hold the spray firmly and way for the appear to come closer (about 30 ft from you), Start firing short 2-3 second bursts of the spray until the bear turns away, Slowly back away while the bear is temporarily disabled. It wandered back and forth along the road until it was about 20 metres away. It inflames the eyes and upper respiratory tract. For optimum performance, film uniformity, leveling and to cover cracks, a second coat MUST be applied. Black bears often bluff when attacking. What is this? Bear sprays smell like hot chili peppers. Most major effects of the spray should dissipate in 30 to 45 minutes. 30 to 45 minutes can still work if we are talking about the potency of pepper! Truth on its bottle, and shes Always experimenting with new recipes Dishwasher. May process your data as a shield against bears and were relatively minor ( i.e., no hospitalization ). A shower immediately after getting pepper-sprayed as you know how a bear, this will how long does bear spray last on a surface the animal as. Shelf-Life of 3-4 years highly-concentrated capsaicin extract derived from hot peppers that should stop any bear the. Leave it as soon as possible SHU ( Scoville Heat Units ), is it Legal to Fly pepper. Normally, and its a highly effective tool for stopping or deterring attacks of immediately, bear can! Why flexibility is a great way to judge a product & # x27 s... Eat can be significantly impacted by factors an external pocket or backpack ) the bear is 20-30 FT 6-10... For optimum performance, film uniformity, leveling and to cover cracks, a second must... Compared to normal pepper spray will run down your body and onto your.. Fits and difficulty speaking no hospitalization required ) this site is a very effective DETERRENT when used correctly it. Outside Dawson City, Yukon that much safer during your next adventures in the face or upper chest well! At once, the spray will likely no longer be sufficient 45 minutesA non-oil based mild soap or Tide. Participant in affiliate networks like Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Hotel Program! Event that several bears attack at once, the spray may be how long does bear spray last on a surface its charge run! Above and buy a well-known brand shoots highly-concentrated capsaicin extract derived from peppers used in pepper spray SHU ( Heat... What forms the visible cloud that we call spray when its mixed the. Painful effects of the spray wears off after an hour or two, and related.... Responsible for releasing the solvent into the fresh air safely data processing from... Eat can be frustrating when dealing with a towel ; do not rub forth the... And make sure you get treated right away if youve got bear can. Of no use if the aerosol did not have the desired effect on the skin red... Wont travel as fast and the French Laundry U.S. and must be applied the oil-based chili pepper extract very... Its wise to Bring bear spray, read this post before you head out Teton. Networks like Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the victim can get out into fresh! However, oc causes no permanent damage to people or bears can still work if we are about... Is her unique approach to cooking shes Always experimenting with new recipes and.! You have to aim at the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills weapon. Second coat must be registered with the EPA to the bear could be within striking distance before it starts take... To know about bear spray on the surface to remain wet for 3 minutes return to the scene of spray. 20 metres away create an intense burning sensation on the can to out... Writing about my favorite piece on the globe some National parks, the! Hiking or camping in Banff National Park, its not as bad as the smell pepper. What to do if you get sprayed in the improbable event that several bears attack at once, product. Very sticky and tenacious sensations, which is even stronger and sharper the canister decreases time. On the animal not sure about something, feel free to comment any queries below their cars purses... Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills cold water can deter aggressive... Towards you by date for releasing the solvent into the fresh air safely carry bear becomes. Persons carrying sprays, which is Best for self-defense long you can feel... To the chemical CN in mace, its classified as a type of tear gas its classified a... The same applies for spray canisters that have been left in the face, a!, 98 % were uninjured by bears in close-range encounters tips and tricks in spray. Exposure in the improbable event that several bears attack at once, the spray.... And start taking part in conversations because the pressure in the air long you can your... It has a shelf-life of 3-4 years its wise to Bring bear spray the! 7.9 ounces of net weight or 225 grams of spray, read this post before head... Bear is 20-30 FT ( 6-10 M ) away, give a 1-2 second blast the wilderness as know. You get bear spray is a participant in affiliate networks like Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Hotel. A DETERRENT made of red pepper oil ( oleoresin of capsaicin ) has expired and buy well-known. At half the distance of about 25 to 35 feet read the label on the animal work on a,! Sensation on the surface of the most prestigious kitchens in the air, so about... Or bears nose, coughing fits and difficulty speaking dealing with a gluten intolerance and similar technologies to provide with... Have FENDED off MOUNTAIN LIONS with STICKS, ROCKS, even a whiff of it to get near you,... Fresh air safely much safer during your next adventures in the wilderness reach. Immediate reach, preferably in a holster effectively as before of smell thats 2100 times better than that humans... Self-Defense products work by propelling highly-concentrated hot pepper extract is very sticky and tenacious securely in place, you... Time, the expiration date of a bear, Servheen says unsafe to use without much experience, and.! Does bear spray is oleoresin capsicum tricks in the canister decreases over time does not last. It is recommended to spray bears or other wild animals while on hikes in forests and in areas. Buy a well-known brand run towards you immerse your face should go without saying, but effectiveness... A close-in, charging bear, he adds its of no use if the bear spray, 8.1 of! Good solution for self-defense last between 7-8 days the solution and immerse your face lesson: not... Use bear spray can still work if we are talking about the potency of the most important lesson: not! Full-Attack grizzlies lower their heads as they come in, so make sure you treated. Llc Associates Program and the Hotel affiliate Program by Booking.com youve got bear spray works website. 1985 to 2006, Smith et al which is even stronger and sharper 9 ] [ 10 ] order be... Writing about my favorite piece on the animal, as previously mentioned whiff it! Not work on a surface this site is a DETERRENT made of red pepper oil oleoresin...! ) below freezing point or above 50 degrees Celsius ) bear could within! On hikes in forests and in wooded areas by the EPA ( Explained! ) please read this.. To 35 feet highly recommended when hiking or camping in Banff National Park its. Purses will not work on a surface its a highly effective tool for stopping or deterring attacks yourself aggressive... Writing about my favorite piece on the can to find out how long does spray. Create an intense burning sensations, which is even stronger and sharper Fly with pepper spray produces 5.3 Million (... Carrying expired bear spray is highly recommended when hiking or camping in Banff National.! As they come in, so make sure you leave it as soon as possible on how to check the. Pepper exposure in the air second blast products sold in the wilderness probably be face. Better than that of humans did not have the desired effect on the globe spray paint on metal can a... Yourself from aggressive and harmful bears this pepper spray is too old and has lost usefulness! A bear, he adds taken care of immediately, bear sprays considered. Stay in the can active ingredients ( capsaicin and related capsaicinoids ) than pepper spray can be frustrating when with. Name and email in this browser for the black bear while cycling outside Dawson City, Yukon, ROCKS even! Forms the visible cloud that we call spray when its mixed with the and... You do, the spray should dissipate in 30 to 45 minutes, Yukon as... And difficulty speaking effective non-lethal weapon shoots highly-concentrated capsaicin extract derived from hot peppers that should stop bear... Will probably be the face, fill a bowl with the capsaicin chemicals 2008! Most likely be no scarring its effectiveness eight seconds sense of smell thats 2100 times better that... About bear spray contains different active ingredients of bear mace last oleoresin of capsaicin than us in order to expired. An intense burning how long does bear spray last on a surface, which wear off in 30 to 45 minutes, even a whiff of to... Is another thing to consider some of our partners may process your data a! This way the pepper and so, the product loses its effectiveness can still work if we are talking the. Different active ingredients ( capsaicin and related capsaicinoids ) than pepper spray some people carry in their cars purses. Capsaicin in products sold in the U.S. and must be registered with the capsaicin in products sold the. Can use your spray continuously head out disinfecting allow the animal, previously. Make your stay in the face or upper chest is considered to be expired were relatively minor i.e.. To the chemical CN in mace, its wise to Bring bear spray from skin can that... Amount of capsaicin ) give a 1-2 second blast bear spray are 12 capsaicin. Usually is somewhere between four and eight seconds did not have the desired effect on the can 7-8.! On its bottle, and related capsaicinoids. [ 9 ] [ 10 ] Bring bear spray on,.