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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/scout-bear-spray-not-repellent

Should you spray bear spray on your tent or clothes to keep bears away?

No, it's not a repellent. It's for stopping an aggressive bear.

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  1. Yes, every morning
  2. No, it's only for stopping an aggressive bear ✔
  3. Yes, on your sleeping bag

Why: NPS says bear pepper spray is used to stop an aggressive, charging or attacking bear. It is not a repellent, so never put it on your body or gear.

Huh, didn't know that: NPS says to choose an EPA approved product made specifically for bears.

The dad joke
Why did the bear sneeze? It got too close to the pepper.
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References

Answer: No, it's only for stopping an aggressive bear. NPS says bear pepper spray is used to stop an aggressive, charging or attacking bear. It is not a repellent, so never put it on your body or gear.

  1. Staying Safe Around Bears (National Park Service) www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm
    It is not a repellent so do not apply to your body or equipment.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingA brown or grizzly bear attacks you on the trail, not in your tent. What does NPS say to do?Outdoors & CampingA black bear attacks you. Should you play dead?Outdoors & CampingAny kind of bear attacks you inside your tent. What does NPS say to do?

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