Polar Bear Deterrents

What are the best ways to keep people and polar bears safe when their paths cross?

Why it Matters

As their sea ice habitat declines, polar bears are spending more time on land in many places. As a result, encounters between bears and people are on the rise. Working with partners, we are researching the safety and effectiveness of various deterrents in defusing an encounter with a polar bear.

The Impact

Working with partners, we are researching the safety and effectiveness of various deterrents in defusing an encounter with a polar bear. Our goal is to share standardized safety messaging, based on the best available science, to keep polar bears and people safe across the North.

Project Partners

Brigham Young University, Gordon Stenhouse

Kyle Garrett of Brigham Young University flying a drone.

Photo: Handcraft Creative

New Types of Deterrents

We are supporting a study led by Brigham Young University to determine the effectiveness of potential new deterrence tools:

ultrasonic sound
drones, which put more distance between people and bears, and could also help with monitoring
conductive materials
a new bear spray formula that may create more opportunities for use in Europe, where pepper-based bear spray is currently difficult or impossible to obtain for use outside of law enforcement.

Person with gloves and PBI blue coat holding bear spray

Photo: Handcraft Creative

Effectiveness of Bear Spray

We supported work by Brigham Young University on the efficacy of bear spray in polar bear country. Researchers conducted lab tests on how well bear spray performed in Arctic conditions, including wind and cold, and found it to be effective in all conditions. The takeaway: Everyone should carry bear spray when in bear country.

Gord Stenhouse's assistant doing measurements during rubber bullet deterrents testing

Photo: Handcraft Creative

Safety of Projectiles

We are supporting a study led by Gordon Stenhouse on the possible negative consequences of deterrent projectiles that make contact with bears. The testing relied on gelatin-filled blocks, covered by black bear hides, to simulate a bear. It assessed the impact of various projectiles, factoring in temperature, distance, and variations from different manufacturers.

Surprisingly, no previous research had been conducted on these rounds, which are widely used for wildlife deterrence across North America. The results should provide much needed guidance for frontline responders on which to deploy under varying conditions and may suggest some not be used at all.