The use of bear spray in national parks remains a divisive issue, with policies varying significantly across North America. While several major U.S. parks, such as Yosemite National Park in California, continue to ban bear spray, Canada’s Banff National Park has issued a renewed advisory encouraging visitors to carry it at all times.
In a recent social media statement, Banff National Park—Canada’s most-visited national park—emphasized the importance of being prepared for bear encounters. The park advised visitors to keep bear spray readily accessible and to familiarize themselves with its proper use.
“If you encounter a bear in Banff National Park, chances are the bear, just like you, is simply on its way somewhere,” the statement read. “While aggressive or curious bears are rare, the risk is never zero. That’s why carrying bear spray is so important, but it only helps if it’s easily accessible.”
Parks Canada’s Bear Spray Guidelines for Banff:
- Bear spray must include a safety clip.
- The product label must clearly state it is intended for use on animals.
- A recommended can size is 225 milliliters, containing 0.75% to 1% capsaicin (approx. 10 seconds of spray).
- The can must not be past its expiry date.
- When removing the safety clip, ensure the nozzle is pointed away from the user.
Despite its endorsement of bear spray, Parks Canada urges it be used only as a “last-resort” tool. Visitors are encouraged to de-escalate encounters whenever possible. According to the advisory, if a bear approaches, individuals should try to move away calmly while making noise, using the spray only if the bear acts aggressively and comes within close range—less than the length of a bus.
Parks Canada also warned against improper use, noting that discharging the spray unnecessarily or in the wrong context can attract bears due to the lingering scent.
Contrast with U.S. Policies
Across the border, several prominent U.S. national parks maintain strict prohibitions against bear spray. Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Lassen Volcanic National Parks all forbid its use.
Instead, Yosemite National Park instructs visitors to deter bears through immediate, loud, and aggressive behavior. The National Park Service recommends yelling persistently to scare off bears, maintaining a distance of at least 100 yards from any bear or wolf, and avoiding surrounding the animal.
Diverging Approaches Spark Debate
Banff’s pro-spray stance has sparked discussion online, with some questioning whether bear spray is too extreme. Nonetheless, park officials continue to stress that the safety of both wildlife and visitors is paramount, and bear spray remains a valuable defensive tool—when used correctly and responsibly.
As bear activity continues across the summer season, national parks throughout North America are reinforcing their individual guidelines, reflecting a broader tension between visitor safety protocols and wildlife conservation strategies.
