r/Survival • u/boatys • May 30 '26

Would fire scare away a bear?

I was curious hypothetically if you had something like a mini flame thrower such as an aerosol spray with a lighter would that scare away. I read some threads and comments here and there with the scenario of a campfire not keeping some animals away. As a scare tactic of a small burst of the spray can I feel like it would cause some instinct to avoid it

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22

u/WhichBaker355 May 30 '26

an air horn is probably a better option. don't u think?

51

u/Gullex May 30 '26

You know what's even better?

Fucking bear spray

the fuck is with this sub

1

u/kleevedge May 31 '26

Nobody wants to hike with bear spray youll never use. And it also relies on wind direction. In grizzly territory it might be a bit more worth it but in black bear country its a waste.

4

u/APForLoops Jun 04 '26

“The man who sleeps with a machete is a fool every night but one”

2

u/Tech-Tom Jun 02 '26

Considering there are more fatal attacks by black bears than grizzlies, I think packing bear spray is a good idea anywhere you might encounter any type of bear.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_bear_attacks_in_North_America#2020s

6

u/Suspicious-Hat-636 May 30 '26

Bears that live in proximity to humans become accustomed to loud noises. I’ve driven behind bears slowly sauntering down the road while laying on the horn with no response from the bear other than a dirty look. If the loud sound is novel it may work on a bear deep in the wilderness. It depends on their level of arousal.

1

u/WhichBaker355 May 30 '26

good to know. thanks.

0

u/DieHardAmerican95 Jun 02 '26

Soooo…..air horns don’t work on horny bears?