Sales of Bear Spray and Bear Bells Surge 3 to 4 Times
Recently, as bear attacks have been occurring frequently in Japan, demand for related products such as bear deterrent sprays and bells has surged.
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun and other sources on November 24, demand for bear deterrent products, such as bear spray, has risen sharply at outdoor goods stores in areas like Fukushima Prefecture, where the number of bear sightings and human casualties has reached an all-time high. The manager (age 52) of the outdoor goods store "Wild-1 Koriyama" in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, said, "Since last month, when bear attack incidents increased sharply, the number of customers seeking these products has surged. This is the first time that bear deterrent products have sold so well in a year." He added, "This year, many forestry workers and residents from areas with frequent bear appearances visited and purchased these items."
In particular, stocks of bear deterrent spray are being depleted quickly, and some popular models sell out immediately after arrival. Bear deterrent sprays contain capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, and can be sprayed directly at a bear's face from several meters away. The store offers six types of bear deterrent sprays, with prices ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 yen (approximately 47,000 to 190,000 won), and recent sales have more than tripled compared to last year.
Warning items that alert bears to the presence of people, such as bear bells and bear horns, are also attracting attention. Bear bells are attached to backpacks or belts by hikers and others to alert bears to the presence of people through their sound, preventing bears from approaching. The "bear horn," which emits a high-pitched sound to keep bears away, was not well known until last year, but recently, sales have soared to the point where stocks are running out.
At CAINZ, a household goods chain operating 11 stores in Fukushima Prefecture, sales of animal deterrent products have increased about fourfold year-on-year over the past one to two months. A company representative stated, "Until now, our products were mainly for crop protection, but now we need to strengthen our lineup of 'personal safety' products."
"If Attacked, Cover Your Neck With Both Hands and Crouch Down"
However, experts advise that bear deterrent spray should only be used as a last resort, and that the basic principle is to avoid encountering bears in the first place.
Professor Shota Mochizuki of Fukushima University said, "If a bear gets so close that the spray is no longer effective, you should adopt a defensive posture." Specifically, he recommends crouching down on the spot and bringing both hands behind your neck to protect your head, neck, and face, thereby increasing the chance of avoiding fatal injuries. He added, "Bears are also afraid of humans, so rather than trying to completely incapacitate a person, they often swipe a few times and then leave when they feel threatened."
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