Deterrents
Every person who works or travels in bear country should have ready access to some means of deterring or chasing away a bear. However, do not let access to deterrents make you overconfident. No deterrent is completely effective against every bear in every situation. Carry a backup firearm just in case. Use deterrents with caution, as many are potentially dangerous.
Chemical Repellents
(Commonly referred to as "pepper spray.") Tests have shown these will stop a charging bear if sprayed into the bear's eyes, nose and mouth. Chemical repellents have limitations - short range, difficulty of accurate delivery if a person is excited, and their potential for abuse. Practice with the particular type you are using so that you are familiar with its characteristics.
Noise
Warning shots and noisemakers are commonly-used deterrents. However, they are not always effective. They scare some bears, but other bears ignore them. Noisemakers include: cracker shells (fired from a 12-gauge shotgun); Thunderflashes (hand-thrown); and airhorns. Never fire a warning shot or cracker shell directly at a bear. Shoot in the air to the side of the animal. A wounded bear is very dangerous. Place cracker shells and Thunderflashes between you and the bear. An explosion behind the bear may scare it toward you. Bird-scaring/flare, cartridges are fired from a flare pistol, and explode with a bright flash as well as loud noise. They are inexpensive, portable, and generally more reliable than other noisemakers.
Vehicles
Trucks, snowmobiles, ATV's, and helicopters have been used to chase away bears. Sometimes, starting and revving the engine is enough. Do not chase a bear with a vehicle for any reason other than personal protection, and do not overdo it. Allow the bear to maintain a steady trot. If the bear is stumbling or crashing through bushes, you are too close.
Electric Fences
If your camp will be located in one place for a period of time, consider setting up an electric fence. It can deliver a high-power jolt to any bear that touches it. Electric fences have been used effectively to keep black and grizzly bears out of garbage dumps, construction camps, outfitting and exploration camps.
An electric fence intended for protection against bears must meet certain construction specifications in order to be effective. It also requires regular and careful maintenance.
Rubber Bullets
These are fired from a 12-gauge shotgun. Renewable Resource Officers can provide information on where to obtain them and their proper use.