The most effective noisemaker in bear country is you – talking or singing loudly can help prevent surprise encounters with bears. With enough warning of your approach, bears should have enough time to remove themselves and their young from the area. Should you encounter a bear, you can use the following noisemakers to scare it away:
Air horns are easily carried and are safe for children to use. They create a loud, piercing sound of more than 120 decibels. They are not expensive and can be purchased at sporting good stores and other retail stores.
Banger cartridges are available for pen-launchers in either .22 calibre or 12 gauge. They travel 20 to 100 metres (66 to 328 feet) and then create a loud bang. Ensure you launch the banger so it explodes in front of the bear and scares it away from you – do not explode it behind the bear as it may run toward you.
Screamers are similar to banger cartridges except that they create a loud, continuous screeching noise for approximately 100 metres (328 ft). Their flight pattern is erratic, so be extremely cautious when using them.
Banger and screamer noisemakers can be purchased at most sporting goods stores but be very careful with them – they are not recommended for use by children. They should be carried unloaded and stored safely. Always be aware of the line of fire. Be aware of the potential for ricochet.
Never point or fire a noisemaker projectile at a person or an animal as that can cause injury or even death. Ensure you are not using a noisemaker that is old, has been wet or altered in any way – it may explode prematurely and hurt someone.
- Source: Mountain View BearSmart Society
