Why You Should Always Carry Bear Spray — Even When You Think You Don’t Need It

If you’re hiking, backpacking, or even just trail running in and around Whitefish, Montana, chances are good you’re sharing the landscape with bears — both black and grizzly. Whether you're deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness or walking your dog on the Whitefish Trails, carrying bear spray isn't just smart — it’s essential.

We're fortunate to live and guide in one of the most wild, beautiful, and remote corners of the country. With Glacier National Park, the Flathead National Forest, the Jewel Basin, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex all right in our backyard, encounters with wildlife — including large carnivores — are always a possibility. That’s what makes this place so special. But with that comes the responsibility to recreate safely and respectfully.

“I Don’t Need It” Isn’t a Plan

We get it — carrying bear spray can feel like overkill. Maybe you’ve hiked a certain trail dozens of times and never seen a bear. Or maybe you’re sticking to what seems like a mellow route close to town. But here’s the reality: bear encounters don’t just happen deep in the backcountry. They happen on local trails, near trailheads, and even in your driveway.

Every year, there are close calls and, unfortunately, serious incidents — many of which could’ve been avoided or de-escalated if someone had bear spray ready and knew how to use it.

What Is Bear Spray, Exactly?

Bear spray is a non-lethal deterrent made from capsaicin (the stuff that makes peppers hot). It creates a powerful cloud that irritates a bear’s eyes, nose, and lungs — giving you time to back away and get to safety. It's not meant to hurt the bear long-term, and that's the point: it's a last-resort tool to protect both you and the wildlife.

How to Use Bear Spray Properly

1. Carry it somewhere accessible.Not in your backpack. Not buried in your hip belt pocket. We’re talking on your hip, in a chest holster, or clipped to your shoulder strap — ready to deploy in seconds.

2. Know the safety mechanism.Most bear spray has a plastic safety clip. Practice popping it off without spraying. The last thing you want is to fumble in a high-stress moment.

3. Aim slightly downward.When deploying, aim at the bear’s nose/mouth level, slightly downward, and spray in short bursts as the bear approaches. Most sprays shoot 20–30 feet.

4. Stand your ground.Spray when the bear is 30–60 feet away. Don’t run — back away slowly after spraying, facing the bear.

Other Bear-Safe Practices

• Make noise: Talk, clap, sing, or yell “hey bear” every few minutes to avoid surprising one.

• Hike in groups: You're less likely to be approached when traveling in numbers.

• Secure your food: Use bear-proof containers and never leave food unattended.

• Know the signs: Fresh scat, tracks, overturned logs, and claw marks on trees all mean a bear could be nearby.

Bear Spray = Respect

Carrying bear spray isn’t just about self-preservation — it’s a sign of respect for the wild places we love and the creatures that live there. As guides, locals, and stewards of this incredible region, we all play a part in keeping both people and bears safe.

So yes — even if you’ve never needed it, even if you’re “just going for a quick hike,” even if it feels like overkill — bring the bear spray. Know how to use it. Keep it accessible. And keep this place wild and safe for everyone.