Japan currently faces an unusual situation as bear deterrent sprays fly off the shelves amid an increasing number of encounters with the wild animals. Retailers are struggling to keep up with customer demands, leading to product shortages and in many cases, complete sellouts. The specifics of this trend, such as which regions are most affected and why the sudden increase, are not known yet.

Japan has occasionally experienced increased bear activity in the past, primarily in rural and mountainous areas. These encounters resonate particularly with the public because they often involve personal safety, while also highlighting larger issues of human-wildlife interaction. Frequently, the sale of bear sprays correlate with the cycling of bear seasons and incursions into populated areas. Culturally, respect for life is a core principle in Japan, which extends to wildlife. As a result, there's a preference for non-lethal methods like deterrent sprays, making the shortage noteworthy.

In the US, bear encounters are also quite common in areas near wildlife habitats, and the use of bear deterrent sprays is a standard safety measure. However, global audiences may not immediately relate due to differences in population densities and frequent interaction with various types of wildlife.