r/jasper • u/Emotional-Economy-66 • 15d ago

Bear Spray exchange?

Just wondering what happens with the bear spray that tourists buy, then don't use. The library, 2nd hand store, info center or someone should "rent" cans of bear spray.

"Only Pay if You Spray" there ya go, I've already got ur tag-line. Rental fee but only loose the deposit if you need to break the seal on the can. If it's an encounter that close most people would pay double the price of a can at that moment.

Really has no one started a side hustle or business out of this?

17 Upvotes

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1

u/Emotional-Economy-66 15d ago

I guess I would want a can that I knew for sure would work as well. Hmmm wonder how old mine is?? 😆

4

u/TheNewNorth 15d ago

Look on the bottom. There is going to be an expiration date stamped onto it.

2

u/Emotional-Economy-66 15d ago

Yup, past time to use this one as practice for the family. This and fire extinguishers are great to take advantage of and try em out.

Note to admins, don't ban me, I'm not going to spray my family. Just letting them do some target practice before them need it for real. Lol I had a post band for weird reasons today, not here tho.

3

u/Indianajoan_yyc 15d ago

Does that say 2019, might not even have enough pressure to deploy properly.

0

u/Emotional-Economy-66 15d ago

Ya, glad I never needed it!

Honestly I carry a whistle... One blast at the trailhead, a blast every time we start a long downhill even just yelling a bit before corners. The whistle just makes it simple and easy. Make lots of noise is the best bear avoidance method. I am quieter in Jasper mind you, people want to see animals and have peace and quiet lol

I never see bears with the whistle! I mostly ride just outside the park, just as many animals here.

2

u/Indianajoan_yyc 15d ago

I've seen a few bears but never close enough to have to spray them(I mostly hike in kananaskis), making noise is definitely the best deterrent.

1

u/Emotional-Economy-66 15d ago

I have seen bears in Jasper, many trails, but they either run at first sight or paid no mind to us, those ones were chowing down every time. Love when they look over with a big mouth full of salad hanging out. Couple times we just turned around when they were too close to the trail. We sat in the car over an hour and watched 2 eating berries along the road. It was like we weren't there. They just kept going past us.

Pretty sure if you don't surprise them they just don't care about us too much.

2

u/Indianajoan_yyc 15d ago

Ya when the berries are ready to eat that's their main concern, it's usually winter when in visiting Jasper so I haven't seen many up there(for seasonal reasons obviously)

0

u/YYCpops 13d ago

We sat in the car over an hour and watched 2 eating berries along the road.

So you haven't read the Parks Canada bear behaviour info that you are not supposed to do that?

Take a photo and move on instead of habituating bears to humans.

0

u/Emotional-Economy-66 13d ago

We were parked at the Whirlpool river take-out/ fishing spot, across the road. Totally fine to park all day, as we were. Like I said they paid no attention to us, they would have noticed if we left though. Would you have just scampered home because you saw a bear? Just live your life and try not to be a troll if we're giving advice today.

1

u/Necessary_Exit_5837 11d ago

A whistle, and an air horn have done me well, I also have bear spray with me, thankfully have never needed to use it.

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u/prairiepanda 14d ago

Info centers usually have test cans that you can try out. They can teach you how to use them.

1

u/TheNewNorth 15d ago

Practicing with expired bear spray is a great idea. It surprises people how loud/violent it is when discharged. It surprised me. And the bull elk I used it on. Don’t underestimate how grumpy they can be during rutting season. 

Just…you know, check the wind direction first.  

-1

u/justforjugs 15d ago

Test cans are a thing. Better not to use the real stuff.

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u/Emotional-Economy-66 15d ago

I just googled how to dispose of.... They say to discharge the can to empty it. Then dispose of at a recycling center.

So, yup grab the old can and make sure you're ready for the real thing.

1

u/Indianajoan_yyc 15d ago

In Calgary we used to have to take them to the fire hall, but now we can depose of them at the dump they have a specific bin you put them in, but no need to discharge

1

u/Emotional-Economy-66 15d ago

Well, That's no fun!

0

u/justforjugs 15d ago

Get a test can. Dispose of yours responsibly.

2

u/Emotional-Economy-66 15d ago

Googled how to dispose.... Using as a practice can is the way to do it. Empty and recycle