I had the chance to use this Bear Defense Spray on two occasions, one was during a promotional radio comedy show. The Bear was tame and I got $50 for Spraying it on a Bear. Didn't seem to work at all, it sneezed a few times but it didn't do a thing. If it hadn't been tame (w/ a trainer), I would have been torn to pieces.

Occasion two was when I went hiking in the mountains. I came across a brown bear near a small creek and he came at me. I froze, reacted calmly, took the Bear Defense Spray and used it. The only thing it did was startle the Bear, it retreated but eventually came at me again, but I had time enough to run back to my truck where I hid for safety.

Bear adrenaline, either from male 'heat' or anger, is enough to override the effects of a little pepper spray burst, just like a man on drugs or alcohol can still attack if hit with pepper spray.

In all, I wouldn't recommend these Bear Defense Sprays at all unless you are dealing with a Bear cub.

Although my dog and I have been a certified search and rescue team for over a year, I didn't have any concern about running into an aggresive animal until about a month ago when we were practicing and a bull moose was in the same area. I realized we were completely defenseless. I know others in our group have run into bears, etc, and it's a pretty tense experience as our dogs almost serve as bear/cougar bait. I am licensed to carry a gun, but everything I've read about the bear spray made it look like a better first choice as I wanted something that works fast and will stop an animal from attacking. I'd also rather not kill the animal. Anyway, I'm happy to report I haven't needed to use it, but do pack the cannister along with me now and it does give me more peace of mind.

I hope I never have to use this, But if I am am not carrying a weapon this does make people feel more at ease.