Pepper spray is a non-lethal, self-defense weapon that was originally designed for use against aggressive animals. However, over the years, it has gained more popularity for its use against humans. You can use pepper spray to deter aggressive animals such as bears, dogs, and mountain lions. It works by causing irritation to an animal’s nose, eyes, and throat. It also causes temporary blindness giving you a chance to escape if the situation escalates.
However, pepper spray does not work on all animals hence why a majority of people ask will pepper spray stop a mountain lion? When using pepper spray, it’s important to note that it might not always be effective. Using pepper spray in close proximity with the animal may cause it to be more aggressive. Read on to learn the effect of pepper spray on mountain lions.
How Does Pepper Spray Work?
Pepper spray is a combination of a couple of components. The main component is Oleoresin Capsicum. This is a substance derived from chili peppers. It’s responsible for the burning and irritating effect of pepper spray. Once you spray this product, there is an immediate effect on the eyes and respiratory system.
Pepper spray causes irritation and inflammation. This then results in temporary blindness and difficulty in breathing. The active ingredient found in pepper spray is referred to as Capsaicin. This ingredient is responsible for the hot characteristic of pepper. This component causes an immediate burning sensation, and pain.
Effectiveness of Pepper Spray on Mountain Lions
Pepper spray is not guaranteed to work on every animal. However, it’s an effective deterrent when it comes to mountain lions. It’s important to note that it also does not work in all situations. There are some factors that affect the effectiveness of pepper spray on mountain lions. These factors include the proximity from the animal as well as the direction of the wind.
Pepper spray is most effective on a mountain lion when used at a close proximity of 10 to 15 feet. The wind must also be blowing away from the lion and not towards it. These conditions accelerate the chances of success in pepper spraying the animal. You can rest assured they will experience the full effects of the pepper spray.
However, if the animal is too far away and the wind is blowing towards it, the chances of the pepper spray working significantly reduce. Using pepper spray at close proximity has its downsides. This is because it may cause the animal to become more aggressive. You need to be aware of the risks involved before you pepper spray a mountain lion.
Comparing Pepper Spray with Other Methods of Deterring Mountain Lions
Pepper spray is an effective and popular form of deterring mountain lions. However, it’s not the only method you can use. Other methods you can use include using deterrents such as bear sprays, carrying bear bells, making noise, or using an air horn.
Before using pepper spray ensure you analyze the situation and determine whether it’s the best option. Keep in mind all the other natural methods you can use before you result to pepper spray. Consider the level of danger since some methods such as yelling may not work in very dangerous situations.
Safety Considerations
Using pepper spray requires a certain level of safety considerations. This is especially for animals that pose a potential risk such as bears, dogs, and mountain lions. Using pepper spray without considering the risks may lead to even worse repercussions. The first step is handling and storage. You wouldn’t want to take out your pepper spray in the time of danger and find out that it’s malfunctioned or out of order. Therefore, you must ensure that you store it in an appropriate place and in the right conditions.
Constantly check on the expiration date since using expired pepper spray may not have the effect you expect. Learn how to handle your pepper spray. Figuring out how to hold and spray your can when the animal is already in front of you is a risky tactic. Before you know it, the mountain lion will have already attacked.
To learn how to handle and dispense pepper spray, ensure you go for pepper spray training before handling this self-defense tool. This allows you to learn when and how to use this tool. Although pepper spray is a legal tool, you can only use it when necessary and when it’s the only option available. This is because using it on animals for no substantial reason is considered abuse and you can be charged legally.
How Long Does Pepper Spray Last on a Mountain Lion?
The effects of pepper spray are temporary. For mountain lions, they normally last anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour. This depends on a couple of factors; the intensity of the pepper spray, the size of the animal, and its health.
You must also keep in mind that an animal may still be aggressive and agitated even after the effects have worn off. You must ensure that you escape to safety immediately you spray the lion since they can still attack you after the effects wear off.
Conclusion
Pepper spray is an effective method of self-defense against aggressive mountain lions. The irritating effect of this tool causes the lion to become temporarily blind. You should use this duration to escape. This is because the effects may wear off sooner than you expect. The intensity of your pepper spray, the health and size of the mountain lion determine how long the effects last. There are other methods such as making noise that you must consider before resulting in pepper spray. In case these don’t work then you can use pepper spray. Ensure you have all the necessary techniques needed to dispense your pepper spray. Check on the proximity and direction of wind before you decide to spray the mountain lion. Pepper spray is an effective method you can use, however keep in mind that it doesn’t work in all situations.
Written by: Georgina Njoki
Freelance Copywriter and Travel Enthusiast.
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