Today is your day Boomer! It is bear season Boomers....depending on where you live, the black and brown furry things are seemingly everywhere, trying to find food as winter approaches. A neighbour of ours had a bear on his roof yesterday snatching apples from an overhanging tree! So, many people carry bear spray when out walking or hiking. Is it effective? According to bearwise.org, "bear spray is the safest, easiest to use and most effective way to deter an aggressive bear. Research shows that using bear spray protects people from serious injury or death more than 90% of the time." Okay....what else? Some tips please: (1) choose genuine bear spray, not the look-alike products. It has been thoroughly tested. (2) keep the spray accessible, easy to get out (3) carry your own individual spray, even if in a group (4) read the instructions ahead of time, and store safely (5) avoid accidental discharge: Keep the safety clip securely in place until you need to use your bear spray. Never play around with spray. It shoots out at more than 70 mph; at very close range that much pressure can do permanent eye damage! (6) follow first aid instructions: effects generally wear off in about 45 minutes. Yes, they cost money Boomers...a fair chunk of money, but, it'll be worth it....just for peace of mind on weekly hikes. Cheers!

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