Originally Posted by
BigAura
Bear-spray is legal in US & Canada, BUT some pepper-sprays are not. That confuses people so border guards will want to inspect what you are carrying.
Yep.The difference is that bear spray is made to be used against bears and mace type products are made to be used as weapons against humans so the law sees it in two different ways ie. intent. The major difference is spray pattern; Shotgun spread for bear and stream for humans. I carry bear spray all over the place in western Canada when hiking, kayaking or biking, including walking into cafes and coffee shops with it stuck in my jersey pocket - no one seems to notice.
Also, dad of 18yo daughter. Worrying is part of the deal, along with attitude it seems, and mostly the skill at this point seems to be letting go. Teach em well, provide a safe haven when they need it, become selectively deaf.