Bear Spray FAQs
How do bear spray rentals work?
Reserve online or visit a staffed locations, complete a quick hands-on training, pick up your can + holster, and start exploring! Return it at any Bear Aware location, many have a 24/7 drop box available. See Rent Bear Spray.
What are your rental rates and price cap?
Rentals start at $16 with a $28 maximum charge for unsprayed cans (up to 28 days). Pricing shown at checkout.
What if I discharge the can?
The rental converts to a $50 purchase. Your paid rental fees apply toward that amount.
Is bear spray allowed on airplanes?
NO! Bear spray is strictly prohibited on commercial aircraft! save yourself the hassle and rent locally then return before you fly. Use our locations page to find the nearest pick up location or drop box (including Jackson Hole Airport).
Do I REALLY need one can per adult?
Yes! Bear Aware, Park Rangers, and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee all recommend each adult carry their own bear spray when recreating, camping, hiking, working, and/or travelling through bear habitat… AND know how to deploy it.
Does bear spray work like bug spray?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Bear spray is a deterrent not a repellant. It is designed to be sprayed toward an aggressive bear! We cannot stress this enough: DO NOT use bear spray like bug spray, it will not be effective and it will surely ruin your day/week!
Where are pickup and drop-off locations?
We have convenient options for pickup and drop offs:
- We offer multiple staffed locations during posted business hours.
- Two 24/7 vending machines to rent bear spray on your own time.
- Many different drop off locations during business hours throughout Yellowstone National Park… and beyond.
- Select locations have a 24/7 dropbox conveniently onsite!
For all the info on each of our locations, see our Locations page!
Do you have 24/7 vending machines?
We sure do! We currently have two locations that have 24/7 vending machines. Our locker-style vending machines offer easy and convenient 24/7 rentals so you can pick up on your own time. For more info and locations, see our Vending Machines page!
Do rentals include a holster and instructions?
Yes—holsters are included, plus a quick how-to briefing at pickup and (empty) demo cans for a quick hands-on practice!
Is renting better for the environment?
Yes—renting bear spray helps prevent these single-use cans with hazardous materials from ending up in the trash and in landfills. added bonus: it saves you up to $34 over purchasing!
Are you authorized to rent in/around the parks?
Yes—Bear Aware operates as an authorized concessionaire in Yellowstone National Park and has an established, 15-location network spanning from Jackson Hole, WY, throughout Yellowstone NP, Big Sky, MT, all the way up to Bozeman, MT. See our Locations Page for all 15 locations!