Local officials concerned over bear spray incidents
Despite the recent rash of criminal incidents involving the use of bear spray, it appears the numbers may be on the decline.
Bear spray (sometimes known as bear mace) is a type of capsaicin that is primarily used to protect hunters or those who travel in wooded areas against aggressive bears. However, in recent years the pressurized propellant has been used in a large number criminal offenses in Saskatchewan.
In the past few weeks, Battlefords RCMP have been kept busy with several incidents in which thieves used the spray to incapacitate their victims during the course of the offense and have caught the attention of local officials.
North Battleford mayor Ryan Bater said that city council is concerned with the increased numbers in bear spray incidents and are looking to see what can be done from a city perspective.