Police services across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have issued warnings regarding a significant rise in the illegal use of bear spray among young people. Over the past five years, there has been a remarkable 115 percent increase in robberies involving bear spray, primarily involving youth both as perpetrators and victims.
Hamilton police Inspector Frank Marcione stated, “What we’ve seen recently in Hamilton high schools is that kids are carrying it for protection, whether that’s through a beef they’re having with somebody else or they’re hearing about certain incidents happening, they end up getting it and acquiring it and carrying it to school with them.” To address this issue, Hamilton police have initiated a month-long public awareness campaign in collaboration with local school boards. Some schools have already taken disciplinary action, suspending or expelling students found in possession of bear spray.
Recent investigations have resulted in the charging of 11 minors for incidents related to bear spray. The dangerous effects of bear spray, including extreme respiratory distress, panic attacks, and long-term skin irritation, are often underestimated by youth. These health risks are one of the reasons police officials are emphasizing the need for awareness around the consequences of carrying such items.
Incidents involving bear spray are not limited to Hamilton. A notable case from a few years ago involved a student at Sandalwood Heights High School in Brampton, who released bear spray, injuring 18 fellow students. Additionally, bear spray has been involved in multiple robberies across the GTA, including a jewelry store robbery in Oshawa in late March and a brawl between tow truck drivers in Brampton.
In addressing the issue, Marcione noted that “the ease of access with bear spray is one of our biggest issues.” Young people are obtaining bear spray through various channels, including older siblings who purchase it legitimately or through online sales. He expressed concern that retailers aren't always compliant with regulations intended to limit access to these potentially dangerous items. In an assessment by Hamilton police, six out of twelve retailers did not adhere to the required rules for selling bear spray.
CityNews conducted checks across several stores in the GTA, confirming that the seven visited were compliant with regulations; items were secured, identification was requested, and proper forms were filled out before purchase. Despite legitimate retailers' restrictions on online sales, youth continue to find ways to acquire bear spray.
Halton Regional Police reported 39 assaults using bear spray in 2023, while Durham Police indicated 175 incidents—including threats—involving bear spray since the beginning of the year. However, police services in Toronto, Peel, and York were unable to provide specific statistics regarding assaults involving noxious chemicals or bear spray.
While it is legal to purchase bear spray, using it for self-defense against other individuals can lead to criminal charges. “Having it for protection could be a criminal offense in itself. Criminal charges could include assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and the consequences of that for youth can be quite extreme, especially in the court system,” Marcione warned.
