Accidental bear spray discharge sickens eight in Japan, five hospitalised

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Tokyo: Five people were taken to the hospital as bear spray accidentally discharged inside a post office in central Japan on Wednesday, according to police. None of the victims suffered life-threatening harm. According to the local fire service, eight people reported feeling unwell after the spray was released inside Nagoya's post office.

Police stated that a foreign national carrying the bear repellent informed investigators it went off by accident and apologised for the incident. Authorities are examining the situation. Bear spray contains a highly concentrated version of capsaicin and is intended to repel violent bears. Accidental exposure in enclosed environments can cause serious irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

The occurrence coincides with a spike in bear and human encounters in Japan in recent years. According to authorities, attacks have increased as bear populations have grown and their habitats have shrunk, bringing the animals closer to populated areas.