Bear spray rentals coming to Yellowstone National Park

Starting May 23, 2013, Bear Aware, LLC will offer bear spray rentals in Yellowstone National Park.  When used properly, bear spray is the most effective way to stop bear attacks, being 95% effective whereas firearms are only 55% effective.  It is a last line of defense to be sprayed in the face of a charging bear.  

Founder, Sally Vering, created Bear Aware, LLC in response to the fatal grizzly bear attacks in the summer, 2011 wherein neither victim was carrying spray. “When you step out of your car in Yellowstone National Park, you are stepping into wilderness. You are in the bears’ home and should know how to avoid and stop an attack. When used properly, bear spray can save the lives of both human and bear,” says Vering.

In 2009, while vacationing in Montana, Vering (who hails from Chicago) startled a grizzly sow with two cubs as she drove to a hiking trail 20 miles north of the park. The bears began charging toward her car, and at the last moment, the sow steered her cubs to the roadside where she chased one up a tree and the other into the brush.  Luckily, the bear didn’t attack and Sally safely got away. “Seeing the primal nature of that grizzly protecting her cubs forever changed my life.  She meant business, and if I were on foot, I wouldn’t be alive today.”   

A year later Vering moved to Bozeman, Montana where she’s since learned about living in bear country. When she heard about the fatal grizzly attacks in 2011, she decided to do something to help raise hiking-safety awareness and bring bear spray rentals to the park. “It’s become my passion to better equip and educate tourists so they can safely enjoy the majesty of Yellowstone National Park.  When people take the time to learn about bears and bear spray, they can avoid - and even stop - a bear attack.” she said.

“The spray we carry was developed by a grizzly bear attack survivor,” states Sam Azizi, Operations Manager of Bear Aware. “Pepper Power® deploys a blast of highly concentrated pepper spray in a dense fog that instantly overwhelms the bear. Once a charging bear feels the effects of the spray, it will turn on its heels and leave the area.”
        
“To better inform our customers, we consulted with Dr. Chris Kenyon, Veterinarian and former Supervisor on the Northern Continental Divide Grizzly Bear Project.  With her input, we created  the ‘I Am Bear Aware Pledge’ which highlights the Park’s safety recommendations.” said Azizi.  "Customers take the pledge and watch a safety video before renting."

While hiking in Yellowstone, I will …

Beware wildlife and keep a safe distance.
Explore in a group of 3 or more.
Always stay alert and make noise.
Relax and retreat if I see a bear. I will not run.
Stand my ground and use bear spray.        © 2015.         

Bear Aware, LLC provides UDAP Pepper Power® 9.2 oz. Magnum Bear Spray rentals at $9.25/day or $28.00/week (up to 7 days) and also sells it for $49.99  The kiosk is located on the plaza of the Canyon Village Visitor Center and will be open seven days a week. Convenient drop-off bins will also be located at the Mammoth and Old Faithful locations of Yellowstone Park Service Stations.  Visitors may learn more about bear spray, how to properly use it, and view safety videos at their website, www.bearaware.com.