Again and again and again people carrying bear spray in hip-holsters or on their pack's shoulder strap can't use it in time to prevent injuries. Carry bear spray in hand. During the 4th International Bear-Human Conflicts Workshop in 2012, biologist Steve Herrero said that in classes he teaches, it takes people 2-5 seconds to deploy bear spray. You don't have that much time during a surprise encounter with a brown bear at close range. Carry bear spray in hand, and if you're in thick brush with limited visibility or the situation just feels "bearish," thumb off the safety and carry the spray in hand with your thumb jammed under the trigger. State and federal agencies and save the bears environmental groups do a lousy job of teaching people how to carry bear spray.