Japan government gives tips on bear spray use amid concern over bear attacks

Japan’s government has issued instructions on how to choose and use bear spray, as sightings and attacks drive growing public interest in the products.

The Environment Ministry and Consumer Affairs Agency urged manufacturers and distributors to provide clearer information about how effective their sprays are. Japan has no uniform standards for bear repellents, unlike the United States, and officials said ineffective products have proliferated on the market.

The main active ingredient is capsaicin, the chemical compound found in chilli peppers. Under the new guidance, its concentration should be around 1% to 2%. A spray should also reach at least 7.5 metres and continue spraying for at least six seconds.

“Some products rebranded for bears were actually made for use against people,” said Shinjiro Sasaki, a ministry official. He recommended that users practise handling the repellents. The guidance also says people should carry bear spray only when necessary, choose products with a safety latch, and keep them out of children’s reach.

Government data recorded more than 50,000 bear encounters in the year ending in March, twice the previous record and the highest figure on record.

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Some products rebranded for bears were actually made for use against people.