I know this is off topic, but prior threads show me that at least
some tweeters have an interest in this. No, I don't know what
agencies make up the "interagency" committee, but I can find out for
anyone who wants to know.
Jane Westervelt
Moscow, Id

___________________________________________________
Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee

BEAR PEPPER SPRAY POSITION PAPER

Remember: bear pepper spray is not a substitute for following proper
bear avoidance safety techniques.

Selecting a bear pepper spray:

Purchase only products that are clearly labeled "for deterring attacks
by bears:"

" Spray concentration should be 1.0 to 2.0% capsaicin and related
capsaicinoids " Spray should be at least 225 grams or 7.9 ounces of
net weight " Spray should be derived from Oleoresin of Capsicum
" Spray should be in a shotgun-cloud pattern " Spray should be
delivered a minimum range of 25 feet " Spray should last at least 6
seconds " Spray should be registered by the EPA

When to use bear pepper spray:

" Bear pepper spray should be used as a deterrent only in an
aggressive or attacking confrontation with a bear.

" Bear pepper spray is only effective when used as an airborne
deterrent sprayed as a cloud at an aggressive animal. It should not
be applied to people, tents, packs, other equipment or surrounding
area as a repellent.

How to use bear pepper spray:

Each person should carry a can of bear pepper spray when working or
recreating in bear habitat. Spray should be carried in a quick,
accessible fashion such as in a hip or chest holster. In your tent,
keep bear pepper spray readily available next to your flashlight. You
should also keep a can available in your cooking area. Spray should
be tested once a year. Do not test spray in or near camping area. Be
sure to check the expiration date on your can of bear spray.

" Remove safety clip
" Aim slightly down and towards the approaching bear. If necessary,
adjust for cross wind. " Spray a brief shot when the bear is about 50
feet away. " Spray again if the bear continues to approach. " Once the
animal has retreated or is busy cleaning itself, leave the area as
quickly as possible (don't run) or go to an immediate area of safety,
such as a car, tree, or building. Do not chase or pursue the animal.

No deterrent is 100% effective, but compared to all others, including
firearms, bear spray has demonstrated the most success in fending off
threatening and attacking bears and preventing injury to the person
and animal involved. The proper use of bear spray will reduce the
number of grizzly bears killed in self-defense, reduce human injuries
caused by bears, and help promote the recovery and survival of the
grizzly bear.

Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee

BEAR PEPPER SPRAY POSITION PAPER - ESTABLISHMENT OF GUIDELINES
(Background Information)

Our review of reports and newspaper articles covering various types of
bear encounters indicate that, in as many as 90% of bear encounters,
bear pepper spray worked extremely well. In the remaining 5-10% of
encounters, the bear pepper spray has not worked as well but seems to
have diminished the severity of the mauling and shortened the attack.
The varying behavior of individual bears makes it difficult to predict
how a bear will respond in a given situation. In lab studies by the
University of Montana Border Grizzly Project (BGP), the pepper sprays
stopped and turned away every bear tested (6 grizzlies and almost 60
black bears) during almost 500 tests.

Guidelines for Bear Pepper Spray:

" Spray concentration should be 1.0 to 2.0% capsaicin and related
capsaicinoids " Spray should be at least 225 grams or 7.9 ounces of
net weight " Spray should be derived from Oleoresin of Capsicum
" Spray should be in a shotgun-cloud pattern " Spray should be
delivered a minimum range of 25 feet " Spray should last at least 6
seconds " Spray should be registered by the EPA

(Update: the Environmental Protection Agency and the Division of
Weights and Measures have determined that formulations should be in
net weight not fluid ounces. As of April 30, 1999, we have updated
our material to reflect this change.)

Suggested Guidelines for Bear Pepper Spray:

1. Strength of the capsaicin and related capsaicinoids:

1.4 to 1.8% capsaicin was determined as a guideline because that is
the strength that was used in the BGP's research (C. J. Jonkel).
These concentrations represents the makeup of bear pepper spray most
commonly used in documented encounters. Several bear specialists
have expressed concern about bear pepper spray being too hot which
may result in damage to the bear's mucus membranes. This potential
damage may affect the bear's ability to forage for food or relate to
it's cubs. No such bear was found in the BGP studies. However, it
should be noted that pepper spray hotter than 1.8% has not been
tested for potential harmful effects on bears or people.

2. Quantity and Content:

Quantity and content of each spray treatment is based on the history
of use of bear pepper spray in actual encounters. Most emphasis was
placed on the research done by Dr. Jonkel and bear management
specialists in the field, combined with data from field treatments by
lay people during bear encounters.

A minimum of 225 grams or 7.9 ounces net weight, combined with the
proper propellant and carrier, enables the bear pepper spray to be
sprayed at least 25 feet in a shotgun cloud pattern and last a
minimum of 6 seconds. This combination is important because most
bear encounters take place within 100 feet, with the bear approaching
to within 30 or 40 feet before deciding whether to retreat or charge.
These criteria enable the user to get an initial shotgun blast cloud
out ahead of them. Both the sound and the sight of the cloud has
caused many bears to retreat immediately.

If the bear continues to approach, even at a full charge, the first
blast seems to deter many bears as soon as the bear feels the effects
of the initial blast. Further spraying directly towards the face of
the bear often deters even agitated and aggressive bears. If the
user has too small of a can or insufficient spraying distance, they
will have used up most of their spray in the first blast. The amount
of spray is also important in the following situations:

" Windy, rainy, or cold days
" A highly protective mother bear
" A bear with a fresh kill
" A long hike (may encounter more that 1 bear)
" More than 1 bear or repeated attacks

Labeling of contents - It is extremely important that bear pepper
spray be referred to as a "deterrent." Unfortunately, the word
"repellant" is misunderstood by the public. Many people think of a
repellant as something you place on yourself or your equipment such
as an insect repellant. All of the key factors should appear on the
label in readable type on a solid background.

Bear pepper spray as a bear attractant - There is no scientific
research showing that bear pepper spray is an attractant when
properly used. It is important to remember that all foreign
substances, sounds, odors, and colors can potentially attract curious
bears. This would hold true for both oleoresin capsicum or
synthetic/pharmaceutical grade capsicum if improperly used.

It is also important to remember that for over 15 years of extensive
use in the field, bear pepper spray has never appeared to be a
problem as an attractant. CWI reviewed this matter with numerous
bear specialists and outfitters throughout North America who
routinely carry bear pepper spray with them, store canisters in their
tents and guests' tents, and place canisters near their cooking
areas. No attractant problems have been reported.

3. Fear Marketing of Bear Pepper Spray:

Unfortunately, an emphasis on fear of bear encounters has become a
trend for marketing bear pepper spray for a few of the manufacturers.
The public is receiving the fear messages by two methods: 1)
labeling or brochures that feature pictures of growling bears or
people that have been injured by bears, and 2) anecdotal observations
and bear incident reports are used with a self-promoting spin as a
scare tactic to promote one product over another. The IGBC does not
condone fear marketing tactics.

We are recommending that all federal and state agencies place a high
consideration on the integrity of a manufacturer's marketing methods
and determine whether marketing methods bring undue, negative imaging
of the bear.