‘Textbook Example’ of How to Use Bear Spray (Video)

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A popular video on social media shows a wildlife photographer staying very calm as a grizzly bear approaches him and he deploys his bear spray. The caption claims the video provides a “textbook example” of how to use bear spray effectively, and the post does a good job of providing some things to consider when using this tool to deter wild bears. While some commenters disagree that the person in the video did everything correctly, his approach clearly worked in this situation.

The footage shows a photographer standing behind a camera set up on a tripod as a grizzly bear approaches him and his gear curiously. The bear is not acting aggressively. The man slowly kneels down, presumably to reach his bear spray and/or get it ready to deploy. When the bear leans in closer, the man calmly and slowly creates a barrier between him and the bear using the spray. The bear grunts and runs off in the opposite direction.

The photographer’s ability to stay calm as he worked through how best to access and deploy the bear spray is commendable. Some commenters suggest instead of kneeling down, he should have tried to appear larger. While making yourself appear larger is generally accepted as good advice when a bear is charging, bluff charging, or acting aggressively toward you, this bear was not doing any of that.

Every bear encounter is different, and how you should approach self defense also depends on the species of bear you encounter. Get some expert tips here.

Watch a “textbook example” of how to use bear spray: