Another odd thing about pepper spray (aside from showing up in scat) is that bears apparently are fascinated by/enamored by/curious about it. No one knows yet why but bears have been observed rolling on rope that was sprayed with it and/or playing with it.

And in Alaska, I know some park rangers who do not want to use any pepper spray on bears, no way, no how. More than one has reported having used it and successfully sending the bear off into the forest only to later observe the bear stalking them. As one ranger told me: They don't forget.

There is also the belief among some that when a person is armed, the person behaves differently, moves differently than when the same person is unarmed and respectful. The armed person may give off aggressive vibes that may have the opposite effect on bear from that intended.