OC is a derivative of HOT CAYENNE PEPPERS and is the newest defensive spray agent. It is not an irritant like the tear gases, but an inflammatory agent. Contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat and lungs) will cause IMMEDIATE dilation of the capillaries of the eyes, resulting in TEMPORARY BLINDNESS and instant inflammation of the breathing tube tissues, cutting off ALL BUT LIFE-SUPPORT BREATHING. OC will not deteriorate with age and unlike the tear gasses, WILL NOT CAUSE LASTING AFTEREFFECTS.

One of the biggest misconceptions about defense spray is that the higher the percentage, the hotter and better it works. In most cases this could not be further from the truth. Most of the best, fastest incapacitating sprays in the world are from 2%-10%. The lighter the fluid, the faster is penetrates the membranes. The percentage has nothing to do with the actual SHU or "hot" in the spray. Also, thicker sprays can inflame the skin area more and last longer with this unnecessary inflammation. A good spray will put the attacker down and out allowing you to escape or take control of the situation.

Because it is an inflammatory, rather than an irritant, OC is effective against all those who feel no pain such as psychotics, drunks and drug abusers. OC has proven itself to be the ABSOLUTE BEST DETERRENT available for attacking dogs and wild animal control. Another major advantage of OC is that it is not volatile and will not emit a lot of fumes like tear gases.

The term OC (oleoresin capsicum) is a horticultural term which refers to chili peppers. There are many different kinds of chili peppers ranging from jalapenos, chiletpin, and cayenne to habaneros. They all have one thing in common. They all contain a substance that is very powerful -- an alkaloid called capsaicin (cap-say-a-sin). Just a single drop of tasteless and odorless capsaicin in 100,000 drops of water and the heat can be noticeable. In fact, capsaicin can be detected by humans at one part per ten million!

Capsaicinoids are produced by a gland in the pepper's placenta, which is the top partition just below the stem. This is also where the seeds are attached. The placenta is about 16 times stronger than any other part of the plant, any OC spray worth its salt will use its active ingredient made from this part.

Back in 1912, a pharmacologist named Wilbur Scoville came up with the standard for measuring the power of capsaicin. Called the Scoville Organoleptic Test, it was needed to calculate the temperature of peppers used in many pharmaceutical products of the time (such as "Heat" which was used for the relief of sore muscles, arthritis pain and muscular sprains). Scoville measured the ground pepper into a mixture of sugar, water and alcohol. Then, a panel of five tasters sipped the mixture and gave it a grade; it took a majority of three to assign a value.

Today, the value is established through high technology, a computerized method called high-performance liquid chromatography. The pepper scale ranges from zero Scoville unit for a bell pepper to 5,000 or so for a jalapeno to a whopping 200,000 - 300,000 for a habanero! Pure capsaicin is 15,000,000. The oleoresin capsicum used in a superior pepper spray formula is derived from the hottest peppers and further processed and refined until the heat rating is 5,300,000 (5.3 million!).

New York: New York residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers or licensed Pharmacists in that state.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers in that state.

States Where Pepper Sprays Have Some Restrictions

Michigan: OC Pepper spray can be no stronger then a 2% concentrate (Different companies can sell different concentrations.) CS is the only Tear Gas accepted and can be no larger then 35 grams per can. No combination spray allowed.

Wisconsin: Pepper only. No Tear gas, UV Dye or combination sprays. OC can be no stronger then a 10% solution. Can must be between 15-60 grams only. Must have safety feature.

Training on How to Disperse Pepper Spray
 

Forced cone: This is a variation on the popular cone type and is the best in most situations. It is a fine mist that comes out in a forceful spray pattern usually at distances from 8 to 12 feet. In the latest generation of dispensing actuators, the mist is made up of super-fine droplets of pepper solution. These droplets help to minimize blow-back of pepper formula on you while the mist (looks like a heavy fog) penetrates the attacker's skin pores and mucous membranes for an experience they will not soon forget! This pattern actually spreads out to a width of approximately 2 feet at its maximum distance. This pattern covers the whole face and is absorbed into the mucus membrane with hot pepper causing the eyes to seal with tears, nose to run, excessive coughing, shortness of breath, etc.

Broken-Stream: (and heavy-stream) This type is a variation on the widely distributed stream type. Very effective at hitting multiple attackers, hitting them in the dark, in tight areas, e.g., through your partially opened car window, and helps with aim. The solid stream (similar to the water guns sold today) will blast an attacker with super-hot pepper! Through a partially opened car window you have minimum misting action that can contaminate you. If you miss, or the attacker was in a hard- to-reach area, you can "fan" this spray during discharge. Fanning is a technique for hitting your mark. You spray the stream then move your dispersions path from side to to side until yon hit your mark! The stream also provides the heaviest blast of pepper (cans will empty faster). The pepper works instantly. Causes the eyes to seal with tears, nose to run, excessive coughing, shortness of breath, etc.

Fogger: This type of spray pattern is great for multiple attackers, crowd control, bears and home use. One disadvantage is there can be some blow-back of pepper contaminating you, especially if used outdoors. However, the blast you would receive and the direct blast the attacker receives are quite different. Where you would tear and cough on a good sized blow-back, the attacker would be rendered incapacitated for about 30 minutes. You pull the trigger or release button, and "fan" your path back and forth hitting everything in its path. Picture a mini fire extinguisher! The pepper works instantly. Causes the eyes to seal with tears, nose to run, excessive coughing, shortness of breath, etc.

Foam: This type is excellent for blow-back protection and immediate saturation. EXAMPLE: If it is windy, you can spray this with minimum to no pepper blow-back contaminating you. A common misconception is that the attacker, once sprayed with the foam can just wiped it away and continue to attack. This Pepper Foam is like thick, sticky saving cream but with one addition... 5.3 million Scoville Heat Units of blistering hot pepper. He will try to wipe it off but it will be to late. The pepper works instantly. Causes the eyes to seal with tears, nose to run, excessive coughing, shortness of breath, etc.

No one has a quick and 100% effective neutralizing agent for Capsaicin. Capsaicin is the chemical agent in peppers (not the seeds) which stimulate tissue and fake the brain into thinking there is pain. No doubt the pain is real though!

Milk, baking soda paste and honey do a good job removing the sting from the fingers and face, but trace amounts of Capsaicin will remain on the fingers even after dozens of hand washings.

Advice from a Bio-Chemist at Michigan State University is to wash the hands in alcohol. Please be aware that this will only help to a certain degree.

Ultimately you will need to wait for the skin to slough off the microbes of Capsaicin.

1. Are defense sprays legal?

They are legal in all 50 states, however a number of cities and states have restrictions on sizes, strengths, etc.. If you have a question, it is wise to contact your local police department, or the distributor who sold you the product. Defense sprays should only be purchased by those 18 years of age or older.

Wisconsin - 10% Pepper spray without UV dye is allowed.
Michigan - 2% Pepper spray allowed. Can be combined with tear gas formulation.
New York - Defense sprays only available through licensed firearm dealer or pharmacist.
Massachusetts - Possessor must have a Firearms Identification Card (FID).

NOTE: Certain other restrictions may exist in your jurisdiction. The above list is not entirely exhaustive, but it does represent the kind of restrictions that exist. If in question, check local laws.

2. What's the difference between pepper spray and Mace?

Our Self DefenderTM, Security Plus® Heatwave and PepperGard® pepper sprays all contain OC (oleoresin capsicum) which is a derivative of hot cayenne peppers. When sprayed in the face, OC (pepper spray) causes the person's eyes to slam shut, creates an intense burning sensation and disorients him for several minutes.

Pepper sprays come in various concentrations such as 5%, 10% and 15% OC. The most common is 10% OC with UV (ultra-violet) dye.

MACE is a registered trade name for the brand of defense sprays manufactured by Mace Security International. A Mace brand defense spray either contains OC pepper, tear gas or both. Therefore PepperGard® , Pepper Foam®, Triple Action®, Muzzle® and Double Action® are Mace products containing either pepper spray, tear gas or both.

TEAR GAS Causes coughing, irritation and watery eyes. MACE Triple Action® is a blend of OC pepper, CN tear gas and UV dye. This formula combines the benefits of tear gas with the "burning" effect of pepper to disorient an attacker. The spray should be aimed at the face of an attacker.

PEPPER FOAM is a 10% OC pepper formulation with UV dye that sprays in a thick foam. The foam acts to "blindfold" and disorient an attacker and cause the same "burning" and closing of the eyes as traditional liquid pepper sprays. The spray should be aimed at the face of an attacker.

NOTE: All of our sprays including Self DefenderTM, Security Plus® Heatwave and Mace® brand products offer an effective means of humane and non-lethal self defense.

3. What temperatures are safe for my defense spray?

Excessive heat or cold may cause the can to leak or burst. Therefore, do not leave your spray in any area that may exceed 125 degrees F or drop below -15 degrees F.

4. Will the airlines allow defense spray on an airplane?

Sprays are not allowed in carry-on luggage or at any time in the passenger area. VERY IMPORTANT! The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows one spray (up to 4-ounce size) per traveler in your checked luggage only. Some airlines have restricted the presence of these sprays entirely. Check your airlines.

11. How effective is defense spray?

These sprays are effective in most situations, but not all. If somebody is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or has special training, i.e. military or martial arts training he may not be as effected as others.

8. What do I do when my Mace unit expires or is empty?

Like any pressurized aerosol device, over time the unit may not spray as far as expected, if at all. We recommend replacing your spray after the expired date shown on your can. Defense sprays contain chemicals and should be disposed of in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations. For information on replacement canisters, contact your distributor, or call 1-888-811-8864 for help locating a dealer.

10. What does SHU mean?

Scoville heat units (SHU's) is a term used to measure the 'hotness' of pepper. For example, one spray might be 500,000 SHU while another is 1,000,000 SHU, which means the pepper is twice as hot.

12. Are defense sprays legal in other countries?

When dealing with overseas and shipping defense spray, there are less restrictions on OC pepper sprays than there are on products containing tear gas. Many foreign counties have restrictions, and so it is important to determine those before travelling to foreign countries. If someone were interested in exporting (or importing) overseas, the US government requires special permits and an export license to do so. Important information for obtaining export clearance are: Department of Commerce web site www.doc.gov ; US Export Assistance Center (206) 553-5615; Department of State-Office of Defense Trade Controls (202) 663-2714; International Trade Institute (206) 527-3732.

Don't get Mace confused with Pepper Spray, as Mace is a brand name.

Today, Mace Security International (MSI) is a recognized leader in the manufacturing and marketing of safe, effective and humane personal defense sprays.

NO SHORT CUTS ON SAFETY OR QUALITY
For the most part, the defense spray industry is governed by few federal or state safety standards. Therefore, the level of safety and quality built into a defense spray product is only as high as the standards established by the manufacturer. MSI has developed an impressive testing and manufacturing protocol that adheres to the most stringent standards.

PREMIUM FORMULATIONS
MSI takes pride in their ability to produce the most effective and safest formulations available. Staff chemists work in a fully equipped laboratory developing the highest quality OC Pepper, CN Tear Gas and blended products to meet every market need.

EXTENSIVE PRODUCT TESTING
Every formula we develop is tested using stringent standards for safety and effectiveness. Once standards have been met, they require Hazleton Laboratories, one of the world's leading consumer product testing organizations, to verify results.

STATE OF THE ART FILLING PROCESS
All spray products manufactured by MSI are filled with the most state of the art equipment available. The filling process is carefully executed to assure proper mixture, volume and pressurization.

HOT WATER IMMERSION
A very important step in quality and safety assurance procedures is the hot water test. Every canister of product produced by MSI undergoes a 5-minute bath in 130-degree F water which enables detection of leaking units and assurance of proper canister crimping and sealing.

HAND-CRAFTED WORKMANSHIP
All MSI defense spray products are assembled by hand. This process allows for a step-by-step inspection program that assures every component meets MSI standards for quality and workmanship. Any product that does not meet standards is rejected.

EVERY UNIT TEST SPRAYED
Once the controlled filling and assembly process is completed, every unit is test-sprayed before it is packaged for shipment. This very important quality assurance check enables detection of faulty nozzles or improper pressurization. A self-defense spray product that "may not" work has no value and certainly no place in the market.

SELL MACE PRODUCTS WITH CONFIDENCE
Manufacturing products under a rigorous set of standards which demands quality and safety has kept the MSI impeccable safety record intact and has enabled MSI to maintain product liability insurance coverage with a triple A-rated insurance company.

EXPANDING PRODUCT LINE
With the continued growth of the personal protection market, MSI is quickly responding to the needs of consumers with a broad diversification of quality products. (See our site for Mace alarms and KinderGard child protection)

Is pepper spray legal?

In most states pepper spray is legal to possess and carry. You should check with your local law enforcement office or your states Attorney Generals office for any regulations your state may have. There are states where pepper spray is legal but there may be size, age or OC concentration restrictions. You should check on these restrictions as well.

Is there anyplace where I cannot carry my pepper spray?

Yes. You cannot carry pepper spray on board commercial aircraft. This is a Federal crime that can carry up to a $25,000 dollar fine. It is ok to carry pepper spray in your checked baggage although it is highly advisable that you notify the ticketing agent when you check your baggage. Also since 9/11/01 you may have issues when carrying pepper spray into secured locations such as a Federal buildings, State buildings or anyplace where you pass through a security checkpoint. Although there are no laws that we are aware of you should use your common sense here.

How does pepper spray work?

Pepper spray's active ingredient is OC or oleoresin capsicum. The OC is derived from Cayenne peppers these are some of the hottest peppers in the world. Unlike MACE or tear gas, which are irritants, pepper spray OC is an inflammatory agent. Contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat and lungs) causes immediate dilation of the capillaries. This can result in temporary blindness and instant inflammation of the breathing tube tissues and systematically cuts of all but life support breathing. OC also will create an intense burning sensation on the surface of the skin. However, OC will cause no lasting after effects. The effects last from 15 to 60 minutes. Because OC is an inflammatory agent and not an irritant it is effective on those who feel no pain such as psychotics and those under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

When should I use my pepper spray?

Although no defense item is 100% effective in every situation you will need to assess the situation as it happens. You should ONLY use pepper spray if you are threatened or your life is in danger. please note that it IS a crime to use pepper spray to commit malicious acts.

How do I use my pepper spray?

If you have to use your pepper spray make sure you have distance between you and the threat if at all possible. Aim the spray at the eyes and facial region of the threat then release a 1 to 2 second burst of spray. After you have done this MOVE out of the way but keep your eyes on the threat. Pepper spray can take a couple of moments to cause a reaction and by watching the reactions of the threat you will be able to determine if you will require another shot of pepper spray. Boxers have a saying "Stick and Move" well the same applies here. Just remember "Spray and Move", "Spray and Move". Once the threat is eliminated seek help and call the police. You may also wish to get a Tactical Use of Defense Spray Manual. It is loaded with useful tips on using defense sprays.

What is pepper spray made of?

Pepper spray is a derivative of Cayenne pepper. The oils are extracted from the pepper using a high-pressure process. This process leaves you with the active ingredient in pepper spray known as OC or OleoResin Capsicum. The pure pepper extract is then diluted with an inert ingredient that reduces the SHU or Scoville Heat Unit to get it down to a useable SHU for pepper spray. SHU is a unit of measurement that determines how hot something is the rating goes from 1 million SHU up to 5 million SHU. 1 million SHU is detectable on the palette in concentrations as little as 1 part per million or 1 drop of OC in 1 million drops of water. All of our sprays are 2 million SHU and in much higher concentrations than 1 part per million.

Will my pepper spray expire?

Yes. That is why we print an expiration date on every can of pepper spray. Usually this expiration date is 3 to 4 years from the date of purchase. Although the spray life is indefinite it does start to lose potency over time. Any use of the spray beyond the expiration date is HIGHLY unadvisable. We strongly advise you to replace your pepper spray every year! That way you are always assured of the potency of the spray.

How can I be assured my pepper spray will work when I need it?

You should get in the habit of testing your defense spray every 90 days. To do this first go outside and determine which direction the wind is blowing. Remember to always stand upwind from the direction you are spraying. Depress the firing mechanism for ½ second. This test should be performed upon purchase and every 90 days after that. Be aware that every time you test your spray you reduce the contents of the canister. If you are using a key chain model and you test regularly you will need to replace the unit every 9 to 12 months if you follow the recommended testing procedure above. See the reference chart on the back of the packaging for additional information.

BE ALERT IN BEAR COUNTRY!

Always have Pepper Spray in its holster ready for immediate use. Don't bury it in your pack. Be alert where recent bear activity has been documented by park officials, Fish and Game, Forest Service, and other public service people.

• Some common areas where bears like to frequent are: avalanche chutes, stream beds, dense edge cover and, in late summer, berry patches.
• Use extreme caution when traveling on trails at night or at either end of day.
• Be careful with food smells - never cook close to camp. Store all foods in plastic away from camp at night and when camp is unattended. We suggest at least 100 yards from camp and at least 14 feet up a tree hung 4 feet away from the trunk.
• Watch for fresh bear sign (scat or bear tracks) on the trail or near possible camp sites. If possible, make plenty of noise on the trail, especially on blind curves, in dense vegetation or areas with limited vision.
• Be conscious of the wind - bears have an excellent sense of smell. If the wind is at your back, chances are a bear will smell you and leave the area well before you reach it. If the wind is blowing in your face, your chances of an encounter greatly increase. Also, in high wind situations or along creeks and streams, a bear might not hear you coming or you might not hear it.
• Dead animal carcass - If you come upon a dead animal carcass, immediately leave the area. Bears will often feed on a carcass for days and also stay in the area to protect their food. Bear cubs - If you see a bear cub, chances are the sow is not far away. Female bears will fiercely defend their young, so it is best you leave the area and find an alternative route.
• Keep dogs under control - dogs can lead an angry bear back to you.
• We advise not to travel alone in bear country. Invite a friend. It is always safer to travel in groups if possible.

AVOID PRIME BEAR HABITAT

Avoid areas that bears like and you can reduce your chances of an encounter. If you can't avoid these areas, be extra cautious and alert when traveling through them. Bears like to travel on saddles, ridges, game trails and along water. They'll eat dead animal carcasses wherever they can find them. They feed on green grasses and also vegetation that grows in wet areas. They often rest in cool, dark, thick forests. Grizzly bears are typically, but not exclusively active during the dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. In spring and early summer, bears are often found in lower elevations along rivers and streams. They love to catch fish when the spawning runs are going. They will also search for winter killed animals in these areas. In the summer, bears usually spend time at higher elevations, often in park like areas. They'll eat wild berries when they are ripe. If you like to go out wild berry picking, be extra careful, make lots of noise and keep children near you at all times. In the fall, bears are often found in whitebark pine stands eating pine nuts. Sometimes a bear will dig around a tree to try to locate a squirrels cache of nuts. Bears also dig for roots in mid-elevation meadows, especially in years when there are fewer pine nuts.

BE AWARE OF RECENT GRIZZLY BEAR ACTIVITY

Always check with park officials, rangers, or other authorities regarding the area you intend to travel for possible bear activity. Always make sure others know where you are going to be in the back country. Learn to identify the signs of bear activity and avoid using these areas. Typical signs of grizzly bear use include: fresh tracks (a grizzlies claw marks extend farther away from pads than black bears), scat greater than 2 inches in diameter (most likely a grizzly's), areas where the ground may be tore up from bears scavenging, and partially consumed or buried animal carcasses.

BEAR BEHAVIOR

Bears seem to experience moods much like we do; they can be shy, curious, pushy, or aggressive, and can possess other attributes that we can identify as humanlike. Each time you get close to a bear, you encounter a specific individual that may behave differently from any other individual you have ever met before or will ever meet again.

Grizzly attack victims are often not aware of why they were attacked. Many attacks are caused by close encounters, where the bear has been surprised and feels threatened by human presence. A female with cubs will be especially aggressive and will defend her cubs from any possible threat.

Many attacks can be avoided if the bear sees a way out of the situation. Bears are basically solitary animals. Each has its zone of danger, or personal space, which varies from animal to animal. If something or someone penetrates this zone, a response in the form of a bluff charge, bodily contact, or outright attack may result. Often times grizzly bears will essentially ignore people until a person enters enters into a bear's 'personal space'. Even groups as large as 100 people have been ignored by grizzly bears until one of the group gets too close. Most bears are timid enough to flee a possible encounter if they sense the presence of something or someone soon enough to leave the area undetected. On the other hand, when a bear is surprised, the bear may see you as a threat, forcing an immediate response.

A person who runs when frightened by a bear may trigger a chase response. One bear will even chase another if it runs. Bears that stand their ground when confronted by other bears usually aren't attacked, and bears that behave submissively have a lower incidence of being attacked as well. A grizzly bear rarely wants to kill a human. Considering the damage a grizzly is capable of inflicting on a human, wounds resulting from bear attacks are often nothing more than superficial bites, scrapes, and lacerations. The evidence is very clear that grizzlies do no t try to kill a human as a result of a close encounter, they simply try to remove a perceived threat. The injuries that occur are more a function of what the human does to resist, rather than what the bear is capable of doing. Of course, a grizzly entering a tent represents a predatory event which is behaviorally very different than a close encounter situation.

Young grizzlies can pose another danger. Often these bears have just left their mother and rank low on the hierarchical scale. Larger, more dominant bears often push these juveniles into marginal habitat. To survive, young bears do a lot of exploring. If these bears start using campgrounds as foraging areas, they may quickly become dangerous to people camping in them. In extremely rare instances, young grizzlies will even key onto people as potential prey.

Black bears seem to rely more on sheer bluffing than on charging and mauling. Those rare instances in which a black bear presses an attack can probably be grouped into two categories: First, a female protecting her cubs, particularly if she is also habituated and food-conditioned; or second, a bear that has no experience with humans and may regard them as possible prey.

BODY LANGUAGE OF BEARS

A bear that stands on its hind feet is usually just trying to get a better look and smell by sniffing the air. This is not an aggressive posture in of itself. It simply means that the bear is unsure of what is in front of him, but still could drop on all fours and charge. A bear that swings its head from side to side, or turns sideways from you, is expressing a reluctance to charge and is looking for a way out of the situation. If a bear looks you in the eyes directly and has its ears back, it's warning that you are too close and feels threatened. A bear may also make barking, woofing or moaning sounds to indicate this.

If a bear "pops" its jaws, it is very agitated and most often will charge. Charges are often a test to resolve a situation and are often "bluff charges" where the bear stops short of you, veers off and runs right past you. A bear might bluff charge many times before leaving. A bear may also bluff charge a few times and then come at you at a different angle. A bear that does charge, and knocks you down, is attempting to remove a threat. The bear will use as much force as it believes is necessary to remove that threat. A bear can instantly reach speeds of 30 to 35 miles per hour in a matter of a split second. Never try to outrun a bear, it will only make matters worse.

BEAR ENCOUNTERS ON THE TRAIL

• Stop, stay calm and quiet, and make no sudden moves.
• Break eye contact - do not stare in the bear's eyes, as this is a sign of aggression.
• Stand your ground - do not turn your back on the bear - sometimes a bear will bluff charge several times. Have your Pepper Spray ready, but do not spray unless you are sure the bear is close enough to spray in the face.
• Look for signs of agitation and aggression - When a bear is standing on its hind legs, it is usually just trying to get a better look and smell of you. When a bear is upset it may have it's ears back- it may lower it's head and swing it from side to side- it may paw at the ground- it may make huffing or woofing noises- it may snap it's teeth- or not show any signs at all, and just drop and charge with no warning.
• Back away slowly, speaking in a calming, monotone voice - you want to show the bear that you are being submissive and want to get out of 'its' territory. Do not turn your back and always have your Pepper Power ready.
• If the bear comes at you - spray the Pepper Spray aiming for the bear's face or spray a fog out that the bear has to run through to get to you.
• Being close to a sow with cubs is always a dangerous situation. Keep a cool head - Try to stay calm, do not yell or scream.

Some bears, even grizzlies, will climb trees after you. Also a grizzly can reach 10 feet up a tree while standing on the ground. Right before a grizzly bear makes contact in a surprise attack at close range (and you don't have pepper spray), roll into a ball or lie face down, try to protect your neck an face, and pray. Don't stick your arm out, kick, scream, or fight. Try to protect the vulnerable parts of your body while remaining as still as possible, this will actively be helping the bear remove the perceived threat. Surprising a territorial male bear or a sow with cubs will almost always be a threatening situation.

Some bears, mostly young bears unfamiliar with the dangers of human contact, have been known to actually stalk humans. If you believe this is the situation you are in, and have not just surprised the bear, it is recommended that you defend yourself aggressively. If the bear mauls you continuously, despite yourself being passive, you may have to fight back. Try using any available weapon - a knife, rock, fist - and concentrate on hitting the bear's head, eyes and nostrils.

BEAR ENCOUNTERS IN CAMP

The situation of a bear that enters your camp is to be handled differently than a bear surprised on the trail. They might not have any fear of humans and have probably become used to eating human food and garbage. These bears are dangerous, and are no longer fearful of being in close proximity to humans. Make sure that you store your food properly. A bear that finds no food in camp is more likely to become disinterested and move on to better pickings. Try to remain calm, avoid making direct eye contact and speak softly to the bear. If the bear is within 10 to 15 feet, spray the bear with your Pepper Spray. If it is safe to do so, try slowly backing out of the area while looking for suitable trees to climb. Make sure you have enough time to climb a tree before attempting it. Make sure you can be up the tree at least 14 feet before the bear reaches you. Climb as high as you can and stay there until the bear is gone. Be aware that some grizzlies can climb trees and all black bears can. If you are attacked by a bear in camp, it may be a predatory attack or could also just be a bear seeing your camp as it's food source. The bear may have made a conscious choice to attack you, or may see you as a threat to its food supply. Playing dead may not work depending on the situation. Spray the bear with your Pepper Spray. Fight the attack by punching, slapping or using any object available as a weapon. Try to evade the bear by climbing up a tree or onto a boulder. Sleep in tents large enough to stack gear between you and the tent wall. If a bear gets within 10 to 15 feet of your tent, or attempts to enter it, spray the bear with your Pepper Spray and fight back. Report the incident as soon as possible, even if the bear simply walks through the camp. We do not recommend that you remain in that particular campsite another night.

IF A BEAR COMES INTO YOUR CAMP AT NIGHT

Get your Spray ready, and then, look out of the tent and check out the bear with your flash light. First, make sure it's a bear, not one of your hiking partners or other harmless animal wandering in the night. If you can identify it as a black bear, the situation is usually not as serious as a grizzly coming into camp. Spray the bear if it is within 10 to 15 feet with your Pepper Spray. This will not permanently harm the bear but will let it know that it is an unwelcome guest and it will probably not return. If you have time to get to your escape tree, do it, but don't leave the tent if you aren't sure you have time. If the bear (black or grizzly) is hanging around the cooking area because of the food smell, make lots of noise and try to scare the bear away.

IF A BEAR COMES INTO YOUR TENT

This is the worst possible situation. It very rarely happens, but there are a few documented cases. An at night attack usually comes from a predatory bear. If you act like prey, you become prey. Once more, don't panic, run, or scream, but don't remain calm. Instead, fight back with everything you have. Don't lie still in your sleeping bag. Don't play dead. Use the Pepper Spray. Make loud metallic noise. Use an air horn. Shine lights in the bears eyes. Temporarily blind the bear with the flash of your camera. Use any deterrent you brought with you. Unload on the bear with everything you have. Anything goes. Use whatever physical resistance you can.

WHAT CAUSES A BEAR TO ATTACK?

Bears attack other bears, other animals, and people because they have genetically programmed types of aggressive behaviors that pertain to population regulation, survival defense, and predatory aggression. This doesn't mean that there aren't other factors involved in some attacks, or that people don't contribute to some attacks. Though we have established the fact that bears are unpredictable, there are four situations that are most likely to cause a bear to attack. By knowing what they are we can work to avoid getting into these types of situations.

• When a person encounters a protective sow with cubs. An average of 78% of all attacks are related to these encounters.
• When a bear is surprised, or startled.
• When a human gets too close to a bear's food supply.
• Predatory Bear (When the bear intends to eat you).

Regardless of the situation, surprise is one of the leading causes of bear attacks. A surly solitary bear, who is startled by a hiker on a trail, may run away or aggressively confront the hiker. Most injury encounters with bears occur when the person gets within 55 yards before the bear is aware of his presence.

WHAT ABOUT HUNTING IN GRIZZLY COUNTRY?

Sportsmen, who harvest big game animals in grizzly country, should be aware that the sound of a gun shot might sound like a dinner bell to a wandering grizzly. Some hunters, tracking down their 'trophy elk', can be quite surprised when they find a grizzly has beat them to it. Hunters who make a kill in grizzly country should make lots of noise as they carefully approach the carcass. They should also try to view the carcass from a distance to see if a grizzly is guarding it. The blood and gore at a kill site may attract a keen-nosed, opportunistic grizzly. Many hunters who have killed animals and returned the next morning to pack out the meat, have been suddenly confronted by an aggressive bear who had claimed the kill overnight. If a kill site appears disturbed, but no bear is seen, it's best to back off because the bear may be lying in cover nearby. A bear on a kill may refuse to back off, even when shots are fired into the ground nearby, and many sportsmen have been forced to relinquish their harvested game animal to a protective bear guarding its food supply. Smart sportsmen who harvest big game animals in grizzly country try to pack out the meat the same day of the kill, or they carry the quartered carcass to a safe spot a few hundred yards from the bloody kill site and then hang the quarters high in a tree.