Montana FWP shares bear spray tutorial as bears emerge from hibernation

MONTANA — Spring has arrived, bringing with it the return of bears from their winter hibernation.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) shared a tutorial on how to use bear spray via Facebook on Tuesday.

FWP Wildlife Stewardship Outreach Specialist Danielle Oyler explained how the spray works.

"The way it works is by spraying a fine mist of capsaicin, which is a hot chili pepper oil, into the air," Oyler said. "The bear then breathes that in, and it affects its ability to see, breathe and smell and distracts it and lets you get away from the situation."

As bear activity increases throughout Montana, residents are urged to purchase bear spray and refresh their education on how to use it in case of a bear encounter.