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High demand for bear repellent spray has led to a range of problems, including shortages, counterfeit products, and improper use. On July 1, a man in his 20s accidentally discharged bear spray at a post office in Nagoya City. Five people, including the man, were taken to hospital, though none sustained life-threatening injuries. The man reportedly said it was an accident.
Experts warn that improper use can be dangerous, stressing that "it is important to understand the ingredients and usage before using it."
A representative of outdoor equipment manufacturer Montbell said bear spray is "sold out at all stores nationwide, and the next shipment will not arrive until late July." The company sells EPA-certified (US Environmental Protection Agency) products for around ¥13,000 (about $80).
According to the company, inquiries about bear countermeasures have increased compared with previous years. Highly effective products sold out immediately across all stores after being restocked in early spring.
The representative added that more people are buying bear spray not only for camping and hiking but also for preparedness in daily life, and that shortages are expected to continue. Since fiscal 2024, the company has also offered a rental service for use in destinations such as Hokkaido and Tohoku, which has been well received.
Bear spray is a powerful self-defense product whose main ingredient is concentrated chili extract. It is ineffective against bears that are far away, so users must carefully assess whether a bear is actually approaching before using it.
If used too early, it can sometimes provoke an even more aggressive reaction. It should only be deployed when a bear is very close—within a few meters—aiming at the bear's eyes and nose. It is also essential to spray upwind to avoid exposure.
Counterfeit Products and Online Risks
Meanwhile, counterfeit products are on the rise. Unusually cheap items—some priced around ¥1,000 ($6)—are appearing on major e-commerce sites.
The National Consumer Affairs Center has reported cases in which bear spray purchased online leaked during delivery and refunds were not provided. There are also cases where products never arrived.
Understand the Ingredients
According to the center, because of the spray's strong effects, some consumers say they "don't know how to dispose of it" or are "too afraid to use it."
Shinsuke Koike, a professor of ecology at the Graduate School of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology who specializes in bear behavior, said bear spray "is ineffective unless used correctly. It is a last-resort measure used when a bear is within a few meters."
He added that product certification is important: "Whether it has EPA approval is one key indicator. Before use, it is important to understand the ingredients, quantity, and spray range."
On the growing trend of people buying it for everyday preparedness, he noted, "Given recent increases in bear sightings, it is difficult to say people should not carry it. However, carrying it in urban areas carries a high risk of secondary harm, such as health damage from accidental discharge."
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Author: Akari Horiguchi, The Sankei Shimbun
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