Japan releases tips on bear spray use amid concern over attacks

Tokyo, Japan - The Japanese government has issued recommendations on selecting and utilizing bear repellent sprays due to a surge in ineffective products flooding the market, according to Kyodo News. Growing public awareness of bear sprays has coincided with a rise in bear sightings and attacks, prompting the Environment Ministry and Consumer Affairs Agency to call for manufacturers and distributors to disclose their products' effectiveness. Unlike in the United States, Japan lacks standardized regulations for such sprays.

The essential ingredient in bear repellent sprays is capsaicin, the fiery compound found in chili peppers. The recommended concentration of this ingredient ranges from 1 to 2 percent, with the spray capable of reaching a minimum distance of 7.5 meters and maintaining a continuous spray for at least six seconds, as per the ministry's guidance.

According to Shinjiro Sasaki, a ministry official, some products rebranded for bears were originally designed for human use. Sasaki also advised people to practice using the repellents before relying on them in real situations. The recent advisory also cautioned individuals against carrying bear sprays unless absolutely necessary, to opt for products with a safety latch, and to store them securely out of children's reach.

There were over 50,000 bear encounters in the year ending March, a record high and a double from the previous year, based on government data. Environment Minister Hirotaka Ishihara emphasized that using the repellent sprays should be a last resort and urged the public to also take other preventive measures, such as moving in large groups.