Edmonton looks to ban sale of bear spray to people under 18 years old
Global News
Edmonton is looking to limit the sale of bear spray to people 18 years and older. Additionally, those buying it would have their name, ID number and date of birth recorded.
Edmonton is looking to limit the sale of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray — also known as bear spray — to people age 18 and older.
In a report heading to council next week, city administration is seeking a number of changes that would also require sellers of OC spray in Edmonton to record the name, ID number and date of birth of those buying the products.
Edmonton police chief Dale McFee supports the idea of adding accountability to those who carry the product, saying bear spray is one of the “most-used weapons out there.”
For example, Edmonton police say that, on June 10, just before 1 a.m., a 23-year-old man went into a hospital emergency room, sprayed bear spray, and ran off while continuing to spray as he ran through the hospital. He was later arrested and faces seven charges.
“I see no reason why bear spray is being carried and used so often in some of our public spaces,” McFee said Friday.
“Last time I checked there’s not a lot of bears in the city.”
OC spray contains capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers. It can cause intense burning and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin. OC spray is not intended or permitted to be used on humans. It is intended to repel bears.
Compared to dog and coyote spray, OC spray has a higher oleoresin capsicum content, a larger spray range and longer irritancy, all of which the city says increase public safety risks when used inappropriately.
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