How much does it cost to rent bear spray in Yellowstone?

Visiting Yellowstone often means traveling in wild country — territory where grizzly and black bears roam freely, even in areas that feel tourist-friendly. Because of that, many visitors choose to rent bear spray rather than bring their own. A convenient and widely used service is offered by Bear Aware (also associated with Teton Backcountry Rentals), which provides bear-spray rental to park visitors. 

Quick Reference: Bear Spray Rental in Yellowstone National Park

Topic	Quick Summary
Rental cost	$16 for 1–2 days, $20 for 3 days, $24 for 4 days, $28 for 5–28 days
Where to rent inside Yellowstone	Old Faithful area, Canyon Village kiosk
Where to rent outside the park	West Yellowstone (Freeheel & Wheel), Jackson WY, Jackson Hole Airport, Big Sky MT
Drop-off only stations	Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, Grant Village, Fishing Bridge, Madison Campground, Belgrade MT
If sprayed or discharged	Converts to full purchase; maximum total cost approx. $50
If not returned	Charged full purchase price (around $50)
Max rental duration	28 days
What is included	Holster + safety demonstration or instructions
Reservations available	Yes, through Bear Aware online in advance
Recommended for	Hikers, backpackers, wildlife watchers, solo travelers, first-time visitors
Legal restrictions	Cannot be taken on airplanes (including checked baggage)
Better to rent or buy?	Rent is cheaper for short trips; buy is better if visiting multiple parks
Best time to rent	May through September (peak season; limited service in winter)

Renting bear spray in Yellowstone is surprisingly affordable compared to purchasing a canister, and many find it the best option — especially if traveling by plane, since you generally cannot bring bear spray on flights. 

As of the latest season, Bear Aware’s rental rates are as follows: for a one- or two-day rental, the cost is US$16.00. For three days, it costs US$20.00, for four days it goes up to US$24.00, and for five days the rate is US$28.00. For any rental period longer than five days — up to 28 days — the cost remains capped at US$28.00. 

These rentals typically come with a holster and belt, plus a brief safety demonstration or instructions and a practice canister. That means when you rent from Bear Aware, you also get a short orientation about how to carry and deploy the spray safely — something that many first-time visitors appreciate. 

Bear Aware has set up multiple pick-up and drop-off locations around Yellowstone and the greater region, making it easy for visitors to rent on arrival and return before departure. Pick-up locations have included a kiosk near the visitor center at Canyon Village and a yurt area south of the heritage center at Old Faithful. Drop-off points — sometimes at different places than pick-up — are scattered at Yellowstone service stations, campgrounds, and partner shops in nearby towns. 

If a canister is discharged (i.e., actually sprayed) during use, rental policy typically converts it into a purchase — meaning you pay the full canister cost (often around US$50 or a similar price) minus the rental fees you’ve already paid. 

Renting bear spray is therefore often a better deal than buying outright — especially if you only need it for a brief trip. A purchase canister itself generally costs between US$40 and US$60, depending on brand and retailer. 

Beyond cost, rental has other advantages: you don’t have to figure out what to do with the spray after your trip, and rental providers often include instruction on safe usage. This is important, because bear spray must be handled responsibly. According to park-approved guidance, spray should be carried on your body (not buried in a backpack), and you must be ready to deploy it if a bear charges — ideally when the bear is 30–60 feet away. 

Of course, bear spray is not a magic guarantee — it must be used correctly, and visitors still need to follow other safety practices: hike in groups of three or more, make noise in thick vegetation, store food properly, and respect safe distance guidelines for wildlife. 

In short: renting bear spray at Yellowstone is accessible, affordable, and practical. For around US$16–28 depending on the length of stay, you get a canister, holster, and instructions — enough to provide a serious layer of protection while you explore one of America’s wildest and most beautiful national parks.