Below is a summary of key points when using bear spray use in sub-zero conditions. The information comes from manufacturers websites, and various professionals own experiences, none of which been confirmed so take them for what they are worth, no guarantees but a starting point for certain.
Two manufacturer websites were referred. It is recommend that all workers review these two websites:
UDAP Industries, Inc.
Counter Assault
The following is a summary:
- bear spray includes capsicum pepper contained within an alcohol based solution within the can. The alcohol should be able to withstand freezing temperatures.
- the temperature will affect performance, it may affect the range and the dispersion but should still work to some degree.
- the counterassault website indicates it has been tested to -22C.
- websites recommend storing the spray next to the body in cold weather to keep the can warm. Body holsters are apparently available from manufacturers.
- the UDAP website recommends test-firing of bear spray cans to ensure they work and familiarize the user with the range and functionality etc. The website indicates that test-firing would not result in depressurization of the spray can as could occur with a pressurized fire extinguisher.
- a likely cause of failure of a can of bear spray is the breakdown of the seals. This breakdown is anticipated to be rare, and should not occur within the manufacturers recommended lifespan of the product. The result could be a can that failed to spray, or a can that discharged within a backpack or storage bin.
Recommendations:
- continue to carry bear spray in sub-zero conditions as protection from aggressive animals. Recognize the probability of bear encounters decreases through late fall/early winter and through to spring as the animals are hibernating, but that there could still be a risk of encounter from bears, as well as wolves and potentially other large animals.
- if working in sub-zero conditions in areas of predicted higher wildlife encounter risk, carry the can inside your coat, close to the body to keep the contents warm.
- test-fire the can at the start of the field season. Do not test-fire longer than 1 second because you are using up the contents. Do not test fire anywhere near residences, house pets, domestic animals, etc. This is especially important for winter testing, because the spray will remain on snow until the snow melts, rain dilutes the spray, and it absorbs into the ground.
- Recommend supply of the largest size canisters available to field crews, this will facilitate a greater number of “test” fires during the lifespan of the product, and a longer spray time if required in a wildlife encounter.
- confirm the lifespan of the product as stamped on the can, and discard expired cans as per manufacturers specifications. Use expired cans for test-firing and practice.
- document incidents of test-firing to better understand how pepper spray works throughout its lifespan, and in varying environmental conditions.