Record bear sightings in Japan cause alarm as hibernation ends
Summary
Bears in north-east Japan have been seen near towns and cities more often this year, causing concern after a possible fatal attack was reported. The number of bear sightings is higher than last year, which was already a record for attacks, and officials are warning people to be careful during upcoming holidays.Key Facts
- Bears have been emerging from hibernation hungry and coming close to human areas in north-east Japan.
- In 2026, a woman’s body was found after a possible bear attack in Iwate prefecture.
- Police were injured in a bear attack near the same area.
- Bears have been seen near homes, warehouses, and train stations.
- Local authorities in Aomori, Iwate, and Fukushima prefectures warned residents after multiple bear sightings.
- In the past year, Japan had 238 bear attacks, causing 13 deaths, mostly in the Tohoku region.
- Poor beechnut harvests in the past made bears search for food near people; a good crop this year might reduce these encounters.
- Experts warn bears may now associate humans with food and feel less threatened, increasing the chance of visits to populated places.
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