Studies show bear spray is 90% successful when used to deter bear attacks, versus 76% for long guns and 84% for handguns. ... It is a violation of the Endangered Species Act to shoot a grizzly bear, except in self defense during an imminent attack.

Is bear spray actually effective?

Bear spray is a very effective deterrent when used properly. In a 2008 review of bear attacks in Alaska from 1985–2006, Smith et al. found that bear spray stopped a bear's "undesirable behavior" in 92% of cases. Further, 98% of persons using bear spray in close-range encounters escaped uninjured.

Do bears recover from bear spray?

When you use bear spray on wildlife, it will cause immediate inflammatory and irritating effects to the mouth, throat, nose, lungs, eyes, and ears of the animal that will cause it to retreat. The animal will recover in a couple hours.