Saskatoon Reports Surge in Bear Spray Incidents

Saskatoon experienced a surge in bear spray incidents over the Thanksgiving weekend, with seven reported attacks, highlighting a troubling trend in the use of bear spray as a weapon. The Saskatoon Police Service noted a significant rise in these incidents, with 256 cases recorded in 2023, up from 180 in 2022. Among the recent attacks, two involved minors aged 12 and 13, who were arrested but released without charges as the victims chose not to proceed. One incident involved bear spray being discharged on a city bus, resulting in a victim requiring medical treatment. Police are actively investigating these incidents and have noted that the rise in bear spray cases has become a concerning pattern since 2019. The increase in assaults using bear spray raises community safety concerns as police seek to address the issue.