Using Electric Fencing to Manage Bear Conflict
Bear conflict, in large, is driven by food in Alberta. Margo Supplies Heavy Duty fence is the tool of choice for homeowners, hobby farms, and industry professionals. The Heavy Duty fence is a multi-functional carnivore fence that can be a standalone fence system or can be installed on an existing fence. http://vimeo.com/video/631000796?h=8d541b7de8 Jay Honeyman is a bear conflict biologist with Alberta Environment and Parks. His job is large carnivore conflict mitigation and with that, he often deals with human-bear conflict. Jay explains the nature of these conflicts, and how installing a simple electric fence can protect high-value food sources from bears. From hobby farms to industry professionals, the benefits of electric fencing can be easily understood after speaking with Honeyman. “By reducing conflict and reducing these attractants so that bears aren’t interested in coming onto people’s properties. We’re not having to euthanize bears, we’re not having to relocate bears, we’re not having property damage for the landowner, and we’re not having public safety issues with bears hanging around properties.” – Honeyman, 2021 Electric Fencing is an integral component for managing conflicts with bears, especially when bears are motivated to an area. Once a bear gets a food reward they become quite driven and they will return to the area. Electric fencing breaks this reward cycle and tells the bear that they need to move on. “By removing the food source, it’s a win-win for everyone, and it’s something we should be doing more of”
What is in Bear Spray and How Does it Work?
If you work or visit areas where bears may be present, you might have been told to “be prepared with bear spray”, but what is actually in bear spray and how does it work? In short, bear spray is the last line of defense against bear attacks. While many bear encounters do not result in the use of bear spray, in close contact encounters, it has been proven to minimize harm and prevent fatalities. In a study conducted in Alaska, it was found that 98% of people who carried bear spray were uninjured in a close-range bear encounter. In a study of 83 bear-related incidents, 98% of people who carried bear spray were uninjured in a close-range encounter. – Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska, 2010 How does it work? Bear spray is an aerosol, similar to hair spray or bug spray. Aerosols are a combination of propellants and solvents under pressure that are contained within a can. The propellant is what allows for the solvent to be dispersed into the air. Most bear sprays use a propellant called R134a, popular for its non-flammable and non-toxic properties. R134a was recently banned in Canada without an essential-use permit due to its negative environmental impact. The solvent is the product that is being dispersed into the air. In the case of bear spray, the solvent or product is called capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers. It is commonly used in food products, pharmaceuticals and animal deterrents. Capsaicin creates a burning sensation upon contact, making it an irritant to mammals, including humans. On Sale Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Bear Shield Bear Spray Currently selling 225g with 06/2027 expiry date Currently selling 400g with 07/2027 expiry date 2.0% total capsaicin and capsaicinoid – equal or exceeds all other Bear Sprays in Canada Longest… $60.00 – $70.00 $40.00 – $70.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
What is Bear Spray and How Can It Keep You and Your Family Safe
Bear awareness, deterrents and the best bear spray should be a routine part of your wilderness outing, especially early spring through fall. Enjoying warm summer days vacationing with family or friends is likely to include some time in nature away from the concrete jungle. When you head out to enjoy some clean air and adventure in the wilderness, take the Boy Scout motto to heart and “Be Prepared”. You may remember to pack lots of water, snacks, and clothes for unpredictable weather, but are you prepared for a bear encounter? You are entering their natural habitat and this is their season to focus on foraging for food as they prepare for winter. Bear awareness, deterrents and the best bear spray should be a routine part of your wilderness outing, especially early spring through fall. 1. Be Prepared Bear Spray, although a last line of defense, is easy to obtain, carry and to use for every member of your family. It can be easy to become separated from your group, by even few hundred yards, having each member in your group carry a can of bear spray could save a life. Have every member of your group know how, and when, to use bear spray against an aggressive, threatening or attacking bear. 2. Under Pressure Bear spray contains the oil of the hot pepper, Capsaicin, mixed with a propellant and contained under pressure in an aerosol can that is easy to carry and use. Most canisters will deliver about 6-9 seconds of continuous spray and the pepper ingredient causes an immediate and involuntary shutdown of the animal’s functions and preventing or minimizing an attack. Bear Spray is non-toxic and does not cause any lasting harm to the animal or humans. **[It is safer and more effective for people, while ultimately protecting bear populations, than firearm use.][3]** 3. Practice Startled or threatened bears can move very quickly, bear spray should be readied at the sight of an animal and for use when it is 30m (100ft) away. It is useful to practice a zig-zag spraying motion with the safety on or use the Inert Training Spray to practice, particularly valuable for teaching young children how to use Bear Spray if ever necessary. 4. Stay Safe Most importantly, choose destinations away from known bears, travel in groups, and make some noise. Most often bears are just as likely to run from you and your smell before you even notice them, but it’s never worth the risk to get too close. Back away slowly from a bear in your path and stay away if you are unsure or uncomfortable entering bear country. Bear Spray is an inexpensive and indispensable tool for protecting you and your family. 5. Check Expiry Like any aerosol based spray products, while the active ingredient remains potent, it is the propellant that deteriorates and will not expel the product at the desired range, limiting its shelf life to approximately three years. Store canisters safely and avoid extremes in temperatures. On Sale Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Bear Shield Bear Spray Currently selling 225g with 06/2027 expiry date Currently selling 400g with 07/2027 expiry date 2.0% total capsaicin and capsaicinoid – equal or exceeds all other Bear Sprays in Canada Longest… $60.00 – $70.00 $40.00 – $70.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
