Saskatoon sees spike in bear spray attacks [Video]

Saskatoon is seeing a rise in attacks involving bear spray.

There have been 309 bear spray attacks so far this year, about a 23 per cent increase from last year.

In November, bear mace was sprayed inside the Midtown Plaza food court. In October, it was discharged on a city bus.

Saskatoon Police Chief Cam McBride described the misuse of bear spray as an “incapacitating weapon.”

“Imagine having somebody spray shampoo in your eyes and then have that shampoo rubbed into your eyes with sandpaper — that’s kind of how it feels. The pain is tremendous, and it’s long lasting,” McBride told CTV News.

McBride said the Saskatoon Police Service is working to “get a handle” on the crime.

He said it’s important to know if bear spray used in the attacks has been legally purchased, and how it’s getting from “one person to another.”

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