The demand for bear spray in Japan has skyrocketed, with many shops selling out quickly, leaving residents vulnerable to attacks. - Photo: Shari town local government/AFP
TOKYO (SCMP): Japan is facing a shortage of bear sprays as more residents resort to self-defence amid rising deaths and injuries from animal attacks, prompting a warning over using cheap alternatives to avoid long wait times.
The repellent, which is mostly imported, costs between 15,000 yen (US$105) and 25,000 yen (US$176) and has a maximum shelf life of about four years.
