Does Bear Spray Expire And Will It Still Work Past The Expiration Date?

With bear attacks on the rise, it is more important than ever to carry bear spray when adventuring in bear territory. Actually, unless you are in a national park where bear spray is banned, it is a good idea to have bear spray for protection anyway, as products such as SABRE Frontiersman and Counter Assault can ward off other wildlife as well. However, given the extreme circumstances in which you would need to employ such a device, you need to make sure it actually works. So, does bear spray expire and will it still work past the expiration date? The simple answer is yes and no — or maybe.

Bear spray canisters do indeed have expiration dates. So, yes, they do expire. The bigger question is what does that really mean? After all, almost everyone has eaten something beyond the expiration date and fared fine. In the case of bear spray, it is not the actual product that expires. The burning sensation of the capsaicin, which is the active ingredient in bear spray, retains its potency beyond the expiration date. So, if the product projects from the canister, it will still be effective at repelling bears and other animals. But, that is a big if when it comes to expired bear spray.

Just carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it isn't always enough. You need to be sure your bear spray is up to date. If you've opted not to replace your expired canister of bear spray or didn't notice it was past its expiration date, you may be in for a surprise. Given this product isn't used often, it is an easy mistake to make. However, if you are adventuring with a can of out-of-date bear spray securely strapped to your hip, when the moment of truth comes, you may be alarmed to find it simply dribbling from the nozzle. That's because what actually expires with bear spray is the pressure that propels the mixture through the air when it is discharged. 

Several things can cause this issue. One of the most common is that pressurized air slowly leaks out of the canister over time. As a result, there is not ample pressure to project the concoction. Additionally, as the pressure reduces in the can, the mixture inside often gets thicker and heavier and isn't capable of traveling the necessary distance to be effective. It is recommended bear spray canisters need to be replaced every three to five years to guarantee their effectiveness. In addition to replacing old or expired canisters, you should also replace bear spray if it has been left in extreme temperatures, hot or cold, or discharged — even if for just a short burst.