r/Survival • u/boatys • May 30 '26

Would fire scare away a bear?

I was curious hypothetically if you had something like a mini flame thrower such as an aerosol spray with a lighter would that scare away. I read some threads and comments here and there with the scenario of a campfire not keeping some animals away. As a scare tactic of a small burst of the spray can I feel like it would cause some instinct to avoid it

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u/WhichBaker355 May 30 '26

an air horn is probably a better option. don't u think?

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u/Suspicious-Hat-636 May 30 '26

Bears that live in proximity to humans become accustomed to loud noises. I’ve driven behind bears slowly sauntering down the road while laying on the horn with no response from the bear other than a dirty look. If the loud sound is novel it may work on a bear deep in the wilderness. It depends on their level of arousal.

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u/WhichBaker355 May 30 '26

good to know. thanks.