Guard Alaska ultra hot bear pepper spray has proven so effective repelling bears, it is registered with the EPA as a repellent for ALL SPECIES of bear! People pepper spray is not the same as bear pepper spray. Only EPA approved bear sprays may be sold as deterrents against bears and have specific minimum requirements that must be met. Guard Alaska has an EPA registration number on its labeling. You need something you can depend on in the woods. Bear pepper spray is an effective deterrent to attacking bears. Treat all bear encounters with extreme caution. Carry on your belt so you'll always be ready or set it out at the camp so everyone has easy access to it. Some states now have hunting laws requiring possession of a defensive spray where bears are common. Check with your local authorities. Guard Alaska does not have an expiration date so you don't have to worry if it's still any good. The ingredients do not lose effectiveness with the passage of time.