SAPPORO--A can of spray repellent probably offers the best chance of surviving an encounter with a bear in the wilderness.

Experts say a sharp spike in deaths and injuries from the apex predators in recent years has led to heightened awareness about having some means of self-defense in such situations.

But getting hold of a can of bear spray is easier said than done as the product, mostly imported, remains in short supply.

Those planning a trip to the Great Outdoors are advised to plan months ahead as that is how long it will most likely take to get hold of a can.

Experts on outdoor also warn against settling for ordinary pepper spray touted as strong enough to repel a bear, saying it won’t deter an attack.

A can of genuine bear spray is not cheap. It typically costs anything from 15,000 yen ($103) to 25,000 yen, a good investment if it saves a life, and has a shelf life of around four years or less.

In Sapporo, bear sprays were out of stock in August.

Juri Nakao, who manages an outlet of Shugakuso, a Sapporo-based company that deals in camping gear and other outdoor equipment, said 300 cans of bear spray sold out in two months after their arrival in March, a pace of sales described as extraordinary.

She said the store tries to coordinate with other Shugakuso outlets to ensure that cans of spray are always available, but they tend to fly off shelves as soon as they come into stock.

“It may not be accessible until spring (2025) because so many customers are clamoring for bear spray,” Nakao said.

As of Aug. 8, the shop offered three brands of bear spray: “Bear Attack,” “Frontiersman” and “Counter Assault.”

Bear Attack was expected to be back in stock in late September, but prospects for the other products remain unclear, according to the shop.

“It was no trouble to get one three or four years ago, but it is becoming increasingly difficult these days,” Nakao said. “Everywhere in Japan is in the same situation, not just Hokkaido.”

Makoto Nara, who works for Air-ism Ltd., a Sapporo-based dealer in outdoor goods that imports Bear Attack from the United States, said “demand seems to have more than doubled, compared with three to four years ago.”

The company circulates the product across Japan.

Outback Trading Co., based in Morioka, Aomori Prefecture, which imports the U.S.-made Counter Assault, said the product has been either “in short supply” or “out of stock” in the Japanese market despite placing more orders this year.

Demand for bear spray has been fueled by an increase in bear encounters.

Environment Ministry records show that 219 people were killed or maimed in bear attacks in fiscal 2023, the most in 15 years.

The number of people injured in bear attacks this year came to 47 as of the end of July.

A growing number of bear sightings in residential neighborhoods close to woodland, and accompanying media coverage, has spurred people to take more precautions.

A paucity of bear sprays in Japan is compounded by the fact that most of the products circulated in the market are from overseas.

As it takes a while for imports to reach the Japanese market, distributors need to factor in the expiry date of the products.

“We decide on the volume of the imports based on the supply demand balance at the time, rather than placing a large order all at once, because we have to sell the products with long time left before the expiry date,” said Nara of Air-ism.

He added that it is taking manufacturers longer than before to roll out bear sprays as demand has soared globally.

Given the tight supply, retailers are concerned about inferior self-defense products marketed as effective against bears.

Nara of Air-ism pleaded with people to only purchase genuine bear spray, not an alternative.

“A spray to be used against people is quite different from a bear spray in terms of the amount of liquid to be released, the jet force and spraying style,” Nara said.

“Users may find the former compact and affordable. But it is not developed as a deterrent against a bear,” he added. “The difference in the power to repel the animal would be like a passenger car versus a tractor.”

Those thinking to make their own purchase overseas are urged to bear in mind that airlines prohibit people boarding flights with bear spray.

And people planning to visit an area where an encounter with a bear is possible are advised to check with a rental service that may be available at a tourist information center, ecology center or mountain lodge.

PHOTOS

1 “Bear Attack,” a bear spray repellent, is in short supply in the Japanese market at the moment. (Chieko Hara)

2 A Sapporo store dealing in outdoor goods posts a notice Aug. 8 that three kinds of bear spray repellent are out of stock. (Chieko Hara)

3 A can of bear spray repellent whose shelf life is about to expire is tested at a ski resort in Sapporo in 2023 when no one else is around. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)