Noise deterrents can create a negative experience without causing any harm or injury to the bear. They provide negative auditory and visual experiences. Due to the variety of deterrents available, field personnel can vary their use so bears do not become conditioned to one sound. Noise deterrents include, but are not limited to, the following:
- air horn;
- bangers;
- screamers;
- 12-gauge crackers; and
- 12-gauge whistle crackers.
- Air Horn
- Air horns can be easily carried in bear country and used to create a piercing blast of sound. Sound intensity will vary with models and maker but more than 120 decibels is typical. The chemical propellant that creates the energy for the sound must be used in well-ventilated conditions.
- Bangers
- The banger is a 15-millimetre cartridge that is fired from a .22 calibre single or multi-shot launcher. When fired, the banger will travel about 30 metres and explode with a loud bang. The flight pattern of the banger is consistent.
- Screamer
- The screamer is a 15-millimetre cartridge fired from the same .22 calibre launcher as the banger. When fired, the screamer emits a loud, continuous screeching noise for approximately 100 metres. The flight pattern is erratic.
- 12-Gauge Cracker and Whistle Cracker
- The cracker and whistle cracker are 12-gauge shotgun loads that, when fired, will travel about 100 metres and explode with a loud bang. The whistle cracker emits a loud screeching noise before exploding. The flight patterns are consistent. An unchoked shotgun must be used to prevent barrel obstruction. The design of the 12-gauge cracker and whistle cracker requires a low velocity; as a result, the over-powder wad may stick. Check the barrel of the gun after each shot to ensure there is no blockage.