Why are some teens carrying bear spray?

A potent spray used to deter bears in the wild is also being used as a weapon at public pools, schools and major events like summer exhibitions.

"I personally know a lot of people that carry it," said Mohamed Mustafa, a Grade 11 student in Regina.

"I guess they're trying to act hard or tough or something like that."

In 2023, Regina police laid 187 bear spray-related charges.

"Why are bear spray incidents so common?" Mustafa asked CBC podcast Good Question, Saskatchewan. 

LISTEN | Why are so many teens carrying bear spray? 

22:48Why are so many teens carrying bear spray?

CBC spoke to several teens who say they know people who carry it. Some said they have also been sprayed and believe people are using it to commit crimes and spread fear.

Chris Witchekan, a former gang member who carried the spray, said a lot of people use it for protection.

"Guns are too expensive or they can't get their hands on guns. Bear spray is a little bit easier to get your hands on."

WATCH | Former gang member explains why bear spray is common on Sask. streets: 

Former gang member explains why bear spray is common on Sask. streets

7 months ago

Duration 4:37

Former gang member Chris Witchekan speak bluntly with CBC's Leisha Grebinski, host of Good Question, Saskatchewan, about the rise in bear spray attacks. The potent spray used to deter bears in the wild is being used as a weapon among gang members and teens, causing disruptions at public pools, schools and major events like summer exhibitions. In 2023, there were 187 criminal charges related to bear spray, including assault with a weapon.

Stan Tu'lnukuafe works with Str8up, an organization that helps people leave gangs.

"When you spray, you can spray from a far distance, so it gives you time to spray and perhaps take off, right? Versus carrying a knife or some other weapon that you have to be in close," Tu'lnukuafe said.

Tu'lnukuafe said there are also teens with no gang affiliation carrying the spray.

"They don't feel safe. So they feel like they need to carry something," he said.

But Mustafa said people are using it as an offensive weapon, not a defensive one.

"I feel like people are trying to use it for intimidation," said Mustafa.

New provincial legislation recently made it illegal to carry bear spray in a public, urban space. Offenders can face fines up to $100,000.

Witchekan said punitive measures won't deter youth from carrying it. Instead, he thinks it should be harder to purchase.

"If they don't want that on the streets, they gotta make it harder to get it," he said.