black bears and pepper spray

I have been reading a lot lately about using pepper-spray as a defense against an, albeit unlikely, bear attack.

It seems though that everything I read is focused on grizzly bears. But I live in Ohio and at least for the near future, wont be hiking anywhere near the Rocky's or west of there, so all I have to worry about are black bears.

What I can't find out is, are the pepper sprays specifically (EPA registered) for bear protection mostly tested and used for grizzlies specficially, since that is the only bear they ever mention? I don't doubt they'd work on a black bear too, but could I be just as safe with something smaller? I already own a 4oz can of spray for personal protection. I dont want to buy a large separate container if the smaller one will work (but I would if I had to).

The spray is not specific to Grizzlies and will work on Black Bears. However, the odds of you needing this are less than the odds of being struck by lightning by quite a large margin.

also the larger can is in case there are multiple bears feeding,charging,or need some more to finish the trip in or out.the larger cans put out a cone pattern and spray about 30 feet.........bobby

There have been a number of instances here in B.C. where bear spray has not worked on Black Bears and some authorities seem to think that it may not be effective onn them. Predatory Blackies are quite rare, but, they DO prey on humans and ALL bears are dangerous. I suggest reading "Bear Attacks" by James Gary Shelton of Hagensborg, B.C. as a first step in becoming comfortable hiking in bear country.

Most Black Bears will run away from the merest glimpse of a human, but, others will come toward you to investigate....this is an un-nerving experience when you are not armed and gets the "juice" going, even when you are packing. It is one of the things that makes wilderness trekking so rewarding.

I've seen very aggressive habituated bears in Shenendoah and the 'Dacks that required Pepper spray.

BTW - new to trailspace. Followed a link from another forum

hmmm let's see. Probably the only reason you have found info on pepper spray and brown bears and no black bears is because the only thing you have to worry about with black bears is them getting your food.

On my way to Alaska, somewhere in upper BC or possibly the Yukon, I saw a sign in some Provincial Park or somewhere. The sign was a 'how to deal with bears' crash course. If had all kinds of advice for dealing with brown bears. Get big, make noise, back away slowly, play dead if attacked, and so on. The list of potential tactice for brownies was extensive. The only advice for persons attacked by black bears was this: fight back vigorously.

Black bear attacks are rare, but statistically much more dangerous than brown bear attacks.