Bear Spray

Time to close this.

pfidahospud wrote:

loulou57 wrote:
Bear Spray is classified as a restricted firearm and you must obtain proper paperwork to bring it into Canada.

According to what I understand from the official Canadian Border Services Agency information, that's not quite right. See page 11, #25, section c, under Exceptions at the Canadian Border Security website here. For what it's worth, the last time I crossed in to BC earlier this year the Canadian offical suggested we GET bear spray after I told him we planned to some back-country hiking. As long as it's labeled as bear repellent, it's completely legit and permissible.

X2! We entered Canada several different times this summer vacationing in Alaska. If asked, you must verbally declare that you possess Bear Spray that is clearly labeled and have it available for inspection. Nothing else is necessary.

{On edit: Sorry, I have regurgitated similar information from other repliers to this thread!}

^^^^^^^
Yes, it appears as an add on. But by whom?

Retailer I guess makes the most sense. Still makes me nervous taking it cross border, though....:?

Sundance07 wrote:

Pangaea Ron wrote:
Bear spray that is labeled as such is NOT restricted, and you can bring it from the US to Canada and back. The bear spray needs to be a certain minimum size to qualify. We have crossed the border many times and have declared it when asked. No paperwork is required.

Small aerosol cans of pepper spray that are labeled for personal defense ARE restricted.

As stated by others, the can clearly states: Bear spray and Restricted.



Please do not make blanket statements regarding products which you may have not seen. It could make for a very unpleasant experience at a border crossing.

That restricted label was an after thought, NOT part of the original label and IMO was a CYA for the retailer, not anything to do with the Canadian law. According to the last poster, the can you posted is NOT a restricted item.

Regarding prohibited weapons. Memorandum dated January 23, 2013

CBSA Memorandum D-19-13-2 wrote:
(c) Any other spray designed to be used against humans (e.g., “pepper spray”) – These are chemical agents, often packaged in the form of aerosol sprays, made with the active ingredient capsaicin. Pepper spray is also known as OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray or OC gas. It is used to cause temporary incapacitation through irritation of eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and/or respiratory system, sometimes causing temporary blindness. In addition, some devices labelled as “pepper spray” may also contain Mace and/or tear gas.

Exception: Aerosol or similar dispensers that contain substances capable of repelling or subduing animals (e.g. dog or bear repellent) are not considered prohibited weapons if: (i) the label of the container indicates specifically that it is for use against animals only; and (ii) the provisions of the Pest Control Products Act are met. (iii) In order for a device or dispenser to be considered to meet the above criteria, it must be apparent that the device was designed exclusively for the control or use against animals. The manufacturer’s label and specifications will be deemed as the design of the product. The misuse of these or any other similar device may nonetheless be punishable under other laws. (iv) Please note that there is no minimum quantity or capacity requirements (in terms of grams or milliliters) in making the determination with respect to animal repellents.

Pangaea Ron wrote:
Bear spray that is labeled as such is NOT restricted, and you can bring it from the US to Canada and back. The bear spray needs to be a certain minimum size to qualify. We have crossed the border many times and have declared it when asked. No paperwork is required.

Small aerosol cans of pepper spray that are labeled for personal defense ARE restricted.

As stated by others, the can clearly states: Bear spray and Restricted.



Please do not make blanket statements regarding products which you may have not seen. It could make for a very unpleasant experience at a border crossing.

If you just want to get rid of it, I'm willing to pay UPS Ground shipping charges for it. I have a can, but my wife doesn't like to hike some of the places that I do, so she often just hangs around the travel trailer while I climb mountains, etc. We could use a 2nd can just so she would have it around camp while I'm out and about.

Regular pepper spray will not stop a bear...bear spray attacks the breathing, restricting the airway...stops them immediatly...bad part is, it's not a spray but a fog....you have to be 10-15 feet away. Also be upwind so it doesn't come back on you. A person in our campground was hiking in the Tetons...a grizzly charged and he grabbed his sprsy and waited until it was almost at him..the spray stopped him right away giving him a chance to run.
Because it restricts the airway, it can kill a human but do you carry a gun in your RV or bear spray? Bear spray will stop a attack, maybe just stop without killing....a .357 will stop and kill....more problems....I don't think the court has ruled if bear spray is justified but I'd rather spray than be carried off on a stretcher

wilber1 wrote:

Bear Spray is classified as a restricted firearm and you must obtain proper paperwork to bring it into Canada.

Don't think so. Bought my last can at a local outdoor show. No paper work involved, no ID asked for.

True, it not restricted in larger formats and identified as bear spray.

Bear spray that is labeled as such is NOT restricted, and you can bring it from the US to Canada and back. The bear spray needs to be a certain minimum size to qualify. We have crossed the border many times and have declared it when asked. No paperwork is required.

Small aerosol cans of pepper spray that are labeled for personal defense ARE restricted.