- 6 Mar 2003
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Exactly my question. They're not allowed to kill animals? Maybe they're afraid a bear that attacks deer may move on to humans.
Nature The Japanese brown and black bear thread
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- 14 Mar 2002
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On the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaidō , a growing number of unusual encounters between humans and brown bears has become a source of mounting concern. Creatures ordinarily characterised by a natural shyness are increasingly losing their instinctive wariness — a behavioural shift that experts attribute to the steady rise in tourism and to the illicit feeding of wildlife.
A shocking incident occurred in 2019 in the town of Rausu: a bear seized a tethered dog in broad daylight from the garden of a private home. Tracks led to a nearby forest, where a hunter discovered the bear consuming the carcass. Subsequent DNA analysis confirmed that the culprit was a bear long known by the moniker Rusha Tarō, a notorious animal responsible for killing several domestic pets over the years. In 2022, the bear was ultimately captured alive in a trap and euthanised.
Photo credit: Masafumi Kamimura via Asahi
A shocking incident occurred in 2019 in the town of Rausu: a bear seized a tethered dog in broad daylight from the garden of a private home. Tracks led to a nearby forest, where a hunter discovered the bear consuming the carcass. Subsequent DNA analysis confirmed that the culprit was a bear long known by the moniker Rusha Tarō, a notorious animal responsible for killing several domestic pets over the years. In 2022, the bear was ultimately captured alive in a trap and euthanised.
Photo credit: Masafumi Kamimura via Asahi
- 21 May 2003
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I learned a strong lesson about feeding wild animals several years ago. I have always put food out for the local raccoons. A pair of grey foxes started showing up and I fed them every night for several months. Then I started sitting out next to their food while they ate. Then I got them to eat out of my hand. If I didn't put any food out the 2 would bark and howl for an hour or more. Then because they decided all humans were a source of food , they started going on my neighbor's porches looking for any food. By then , the neighbors knew I was the one feeding them and I was not too popular to say the least. Even worse , they started coming out during the day and following people , begging for food. It ended up , I had to get a friend to trap them and take them way up state to release. Feeding wild bears will never end well.
- 18 Jan 2005
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The Shiretoko Road is a scenic route leading to attractions such as the Shiretoko Five Lakes and Kamuiwakka Falls. It's traveled not only by cars but also by many bikers on Hokkaido tours. Unfortunately, some people feed bears from their cars, which causes the bears to stop fearing humans and start approaching them when they see people. While people inside cars may be relatively safe, motorcyclists face life-threatening danger. On my very first Hokkaido tour, I rode along the Shiretoko Road and encountered a bear. When bears become habituated to humans, they become extremely dangerous.
October 1, 2021
For the first time in 15 years, a previously restricted area of Shiretoko's hidden hot spring, Kamuiwakka Hot Falls, has been opened to the public.
A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Kamuiwakka Hot Falls is a popular tourist spot where natural hot spring water flows directly into the river.
However, due to the risk of falling rocks, access had been restricted since 2006 to "First Falls," about 100 meters upstream from the entrance.
As part of a trial project toward full reopening, the local tourism association opened an additional 200-meter section — from "Second Falls" to "Fourth Falls" — for three days only, starting October 1.
Visitor: "I've been here several times, but it's still wonderful."
Visitor: "Beyond Third Falls is pretty tough. If it were improved a bit more, it would be easier to visit."
Entry was by reservation only, with free shuttle buses running from the Shiretoko Nature Center.
The first time I visited Kamuiwakka Falls was about 30 years ago, before the restrictions were put in place. I rode my motorcycle close to the river, then hiked up the stream on foot and soaked in the hot spring pool at the base of the waterfall. It was a mixed bath for both men and women.
October 1, 2021
For the first time in 15 years, a previously restricted area of Shiretoko's hidden hot spring, Kamuiwakka Hot Falls, has been opened to the public.
A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Kamuiwakka Hot Falls is a popular tourist spot where natural hot spring water flows directly into the river.
However, due to the risk of falling rocks, access had been restricted since 2006 to "First Falls," about 100 meters upstream from the entrance.
As part of a trial project toward full reopening, the local tourism association opened an additional 200-meter section — from "Second Falls" to "Fourth Falls" — for three days only, starting October 1.
Visitor: "I've been here several times, but it's still wonderful."
Visitor: "Beyond Third Falls is pretty tough. If it were improved a bit more, it would be easier to visit."
Entry was by reservation only, with free shuttle buses running from the Shiretoko Nature Center.
The first time I visited Kamuiwakka Falls was about 30 years ago, before the restrictions were put in place. I rode my motorcycle close to the river, then hiked up the stream on foot and soaked in the hot spring pool at the base of the waterfall. It was a mixed bath for both men and women.
- 17 Sep 2005
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If you live in bear country, do your part and keep food and food scraps securely where bears can't get at them.
EDIT: Looks like @Hiroyuki Nagashima beat me to this one. I just happened to chance upon this news story and was reminded of this thread. After posting, I thought to review the thread, and sure enough, this news was covered on this thread.
- 18 Jan 2005
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Shiretoko / Mount Rausu – Three Bears Killed at Search Site of Missing Man – Could They Be the Ones That Attacked Him?
August 15, 2025
Reporter Yuna Nagayama:
"It's 5:00 a.m. The mountain rescue team has just arrived, and now the hunters are here as well. They will begin searching the mountain shortly."
The search continues for a man attacked by a bear in Shiretoko.
At around 11:00 a.m. on the 14th, a man in his twenties was hiking down Mount Rausu in Shari Town with a friend when he was attacked by a bear. The man, bleeding from his thigh, was dragged from the trail into the forest.
A hiker rescued by helicopter from near the summit:
"I had always thought that the bears here in Shiretoko were large but gentle, and that they would never attack people."
"Hikers love nature, so this is a really shocking incident."
The search resumed at 5:30 a.m. on the 15th with 18 people, including police and hunters. About four hours later, at around 9:40 a.m., a wallet containing the man's credit card and pepper spray was found near the site of the attack. Later, a torn shirt and pants believed to belong to the man, as well as his shoes, were discovered. The shirt had bloodstains, and nearby there were blood trails suggesting he had been dragged.
Reporter Yuna Nagayama:
"This is the Mount Rausu trailhead. It's now noon, and the mountain rescue team and hunters are coming down from the mountain."
Shortly after 1:00 p.m., a mother bear and two cubs were spotted near the site. Hunters opened fire, and the three bears were killed. Since Shiretoko was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2005, this is the first time a hiker has been attacked by a brown bear. Why did this happen?
Associate Professor Tomohito Shimozuru, Hokkaido University, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine:
"Bears learn from their experiences what kind of behavior to take next. The kind of experiences they had before actually attacking a person are likely part of the background to why they engaged in such dangerous behavior."
The incident is affecting tourism in Shiretoko during the busy Obon holiday period. At one of its major attractions, the Shiretoko Goko Lakes, there is no one on the walking trails. Even the parking lot, which is now being used as a heliport for rescue operations, is empty. In response to the bear attack, all Mount Rausu trails have been closed, and nearby tourist spots such as the Shiretoko Goko Lakes and Kamuiwakka Hot Falls are off-limits for the time being.
Local fisherman (on camera):
"They've become too accustomed to people. There's a risk that this incident will drive tourists away again."
Shari Town officials stated, "The economic impact is significant, but we are prioritizing rescue operations, and the tourism industry is cooperating with us."
August 15, 2025
Reporter Yuna Nagayama:
"It's 5:00 a.m. The mountain rescue team has just arrived, and now the hunters are here as well. They will begin searching the mountain shortly."
The search continues for a man attacked by a bear in Shiretoko.
At around 11:00 a.m. on the 14th, a man in his twenties was hiking down Mount Rausu in Shari Town with a friend when he was attacked by a bear. The man, bleeding from his thigh, was dragged from the trail into the forest.
A hiker rescued by helicopter from near the summit:
"I had always thought that the bears here in Shiretoko were large but gentle, and that they would never attack people."
"Hikers love nature, so this is a really shocking incident."
The search resumed at 5:30 a.m. on the 15th with 18 people, including police and hunters. About four hours later, at around 9:40 a.m., a wallet containing the man's credit card and pepper spray was found near the site of the attack. Later, a torn shirt and pants believed to belong to the man, as well as his shoes, were discovered. The shirt had bloodstains, and nearby there were blood trails suggesting he had been dragged.
Reporter Yuna Nagayama:
"This is the Mount Rausu trailhead. It's now noon, and the mountain rescue team and hunters are coming down from the mountain."
Shortly after 1:00 p.m., a mother bear and two cubs were spotted near the site. Hunters opened fire, and the three bears were killed. Since Shiretoko was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2005, this is the first time a hiker has been attacked by a brown bear. Why did this happen?
Associate Professor Tomohito Shimozuru, Hokkaido University, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine:
"Bears learn from their experiences what kind of behavior to take next. The kind of experiences they had before actually attacking a person are likely part of the background to why they engaged in such dangerous behavior."
The incident is affecting tourism in Shiretoko during the busy Obon holiday period. At one of its major attractions, the Shiretoko Goko Lakes, there is no one on the walking trails. Even the parking lot, which is now being used as a heliport for rescue operations, is empty. In response to the bear attack, all Mount Rausu trails have been closed, and nearby tourist spots such as the Shiretoko Goko Lakes and Kamuiwakka Hot Falls are off-limits for the time being.
Local fisherman (on camera):
"They've become too accustomed to people. There's a risk that this incident will drive tourists away again."
Shari Town officials stated, "The economic impact is significant, but we are prioritizing rescue operations, and the tourism industry is cooperating with us."
- 18 Jan 2005
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Body Found — Possibly Missing Man in His 20s — Three Bears Killed Nearby, Mt. Rausu, Hokkaido
August 15, 2025
[ Video deleted ]
On August 14, in the Mt. Rausu area of Shiretoko, Hokkaido , a man in his 20s was attacked by a bear. According to the town of Shari, a body believed to be that of the missing man has been found.
August 15, 2025
[ Video deleted ]
On August 14, in the Mt. Rausu area of Shiretoko, Hokkaido , a man in his 20s was attacked by a bear. According to the town of Shari, a body believed to be that of the missing man has been found.
- 14 Mar 2002
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- #60
The bears are moving into the western outskirts of Tokyo: Several bear sightings have recently been reported in the mountainous Nishitama region of Tokyo, including Okutama and Ome. On 23 August, a man fishing in the Otaba River in Okutama was attacked and injured by a bear. More sightings followed on Wednesday in Ome and Hinode, prompting local authorities to urge residents to remain cautious.
As of 21 August, 154 bear sightings have been reported this year. They are concentrated in mountainous regions in the Tama region in western Tokyo, including Okutama Town and Hinohara Village.
Map of bears spotted in Tokyo online (NHK)
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
As of 21 August, 154 bear sightings have been reported this year. They are concentrated in mountainous regions in the Tama region in western Tokyo, including Okutama Town and Hinohara Village.
Map of bears spotted in Tokyo online (NHK)
Multiple Bear Sightings in Western Tokyo Lead to Municipalities in Area Calling for People to Stay Vigilant
<p>Multiple bear sightings have been reported in the mountains in Tokyo’s Nishitama area, including in the town of Okutama and the city of Ome.</p>
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
- 14 Mar 2002
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- #61
Autumn is the riskiest time of year in Japan for bear encounters, as the animals become especially active while stocking up on food before hibernation. The country has two native species: the brown bear (羆, higuma), which lives in Hokkaido , and the Asiatic black bear (月の輪熊, tsukinowaguma), found in Honshu and Shikoku . A fully grown brown bear can reach nearly three metres in height and is powerful enough to kill a horse with a single strike. They can cover 100 metres in around six seconds, while black bears manage the same distance in about eight.
Encounters with brown bears are hazardous, with fatality rates at 24% compared with 2.3% for black bear attacks. Between April and August 2025, 69 people were killed or injured in bear encounters, matching the pace of 2023, when a poor acorn harvest triggered Japan's worst year on record for bear attacks. Surveys have confirmed that bear populations are spreading into new areas across the country, except for Shikoku. Hokkaido's brown bear numbers have more than doubled over the past three decades, while black bears have expanded their habitat range by 1.4 times. Today, Chiba Prefecture is the only region of Honshu without wild bears, whereas in Kyushu, the species has already become extinct.
Encounters with brown bears are hazardous, with fatality rates at 24% compared with 2.3% for black bear attacks. Between April and August 2025, 69 people were killed or injured in bear encounters, matching the pace of 2023, when a poor acorn harvest triggered Japan's worst year on record for bear attacks. Surveys have confirmed that bear populations are spreading into new areas across the country, except for Shikoku. Hokkaido's brown bear numbers have more than doubled over the past three decades, while black bears have expanded their habitat range by 1.4 times. Today, Chiba Prefecture is the only region of Honshu without wild bears, whereas in Kyushu, the species has already become extinct.
Bear Attacks Surge as Fatality Rate Reaches 24%
Fatal bear encounters are rising sharply across Japan, with injuries and deaths reported at a pace matching the worst year on record. Experts warn that both stricter population control and preventive measures to keep bears away from human settlements are urgently needed.
newsonjapan.com
- 14 Mar 2002
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- #63
These incidents seem to be escalating. Yesterday, tourists were attacked by bears in Shirakawago.
Bear injures Spanish tourist in central Japan's Shirakawa Village
Bear injures Spanish tourist in central Japan's Shirakawa Village
- 14 Mar 2002
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- #64
Bear attacks have been increasing across Japan, and the number of deaths this fiscal year has already reached the record level seen in 2023. People studying the issue said the rise is not only due to more bears but also because human activity has spread further into mountain areas, making the divide between wildlife habitats and towns less clear.
On Tuesday, an agitated bear roamed the aisles of a supermarket in central Japan, injuring two men and frightening shoppers, while separately, a man was found dead in a suspected mauling.
www.japantimes.co.jp
Why Are Bear Attacks Increasing Across Japan?
Bear attacks are intensifying across Japan, with fatalities in fiscal 2025 already matching the record high set in 2023. Experts warn that the rise reflects not only an increase in bear numbers but also changes in human society that have blurred the line between mountain habitats and residential...
newsonjapan.com
On Tuesday, an agitated bear roamed the aisles of a supermarket in central Japan, injuring two men and frightening shoppers, while separately, a man was found dead in a suspected mauling.
Bear injures two in Japan supermarket; man killed in separate attack
More and more wild bears have been spotted in Japan in recent years, even in residential areas, due to factors including a declining human population and climate change.
- 21 May 2003
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I started going to hunting camp around 1957. As a child , I was terrified a bear would eat me. That fear was always with me when in the woods. In all my time in the woods , I have only seen 2 bears that were small and ran in fear of me.
Interesting. It's been a while, and no source for this, but I once heard that bears (and pigs, etc) were getting closer--coming into more populated areas--because there were fewer people going into and "managing" mountain or wilder areas. Or foraging there. So the 'boundary' or where bears and people meet has shifted from farther into the mountains to city-adjacent. A sato-yama/里山 thing.
- 14 Mar 2002
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- #67
One lucky New Zealander! This happened on a mountain trail in Niigata. 
- 21 May 2003
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I know you can't carry a handgun in bear territory , but can you buy & carry the super strong bear spray?
- 14 Mar 2002
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- #70
That's what's available: bells and imported bear spray:
Bear spray seems to be in short supply in Japan:
Amazon.co.jp: Bear Protection - Safety & Survival: Sports & Outdoors
Online shopping for Bear Protection - Safety & Survival from a great selection at Sports & Outdoors Store.
www.amazon.co.jp
Bear spray seems to be in short supply in Japan:
- 21 May 2003
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There have been many jokes about bear poop being filled with bells and smelling of bear spray. The other joke is always about escaping a bear attack with just a tiny .22 gun. It then goes on about how , he shoots his hiking buddy in the knee.
- 14 Mar 2002
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- Thread starter
- #72
Japan Bear Incident Map:
kumamap.com
Japan Bear Incident Map 2026 - 150,401 Tracked - Kumamap
Track 150,401 brown bear and black bear incidents across Japan in real-time. Interactive map with official reports, news, and community incidents. Check before going outdoors.
- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,050
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- #73
Japanese researchers reported on Sunday that people attacked by bears were less likely to suffer serious injuries if they lay face down and shielded their heads and necks. The finding comes as Japan faces an unprecedented rise in fatal bear encounters this fiscal year. Nine people have died in bear attacks nationwide since April, marking the highest number ever recorded in a single fiscal year.
A research team from Akita University's graduate school in northeastern Japan examined seventy cases of bear-related injuries that occurred in the prefecture during fiscal 2023, a year that saw six deaths across the country — the second-highest total on record. Their study found that wounds to the face, hands, and arms were most prevalent, but every one of the seven people who protected themselves by lying face down and covering their head and neck escaped with only minor injuries.
Researchers explained that since bears tend to stand upright when threatening or attacking, victims are most often struck in the face or head. The Environment Ministry advises that anyone confronted by a bear at close range should curl up or lie face down, covering their head, neck, and abdomen to reduce the risk of serious injury.
All seven people who adopted this position avoided life-threatening harm, though many still sustained cuts or bruises to their hands and arms. It also noted that the impact of bear attacks was comparable to that of traffic accidents, with victims spending an average of nearly thirteen days in hospital and continuing outpatient care for around three months afterwards.
mainichi.jp
A research team from Akita University's graduate school in northeastern Japan examined seventy cases of bear-related injuries that occurred in the prefecture during fiscal 2023, a year that saw six deaths across the country — the second-highest total on record. Their study found that wounds to the face, hands, and arms were most prevalent, but every one of the seven people who protected themselves by lying face down and covering their head and neck escaped with only minor injuries.
Researchers explained that since bears tend to stand upright when threatening or attacking, victims are most often struck in the face or head. The Environment Ministry advises that anyone confronted by a bear at close range should curl up or lie face down, covering their head, neck, and abdomen to reduce the risk of serious injury.
All seven people who adopted this position avoided life-threatening harm, though many still sustained cuts or bruises to their hands and arms. It also noted that the impact of bear attacks was comparable to that of traffic accidents, with victims spending an average of nearly thirteen days in hospital and continuing outpatient care for around three months afterwards.
Lying face down helps prevent severe injuries in bear attacks: Japan study - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese researchers said Sunday that people mauled by bears tended to avoid more severe injuries when they lay face down and covered
That's extremely valuable info--thanks!
But after you have ducked and covered (with no life-threatening injuries), how do you determine when it is then safe to get up? (When do bears typically leave after an attack?) That would also be helpful info.
I mean, you wouldn't want to get up too soon, right? Maybe just nap there for a while--let the bleeding stop, and then get up?
But after you have ducked and covered (with no life-threatening injuries), how do you determine when it is then safe to get up? (When do bears typically leave after an attack?) That would also be helpful info.
I mean, you wouldn't want to get up too soon, right? Maybe just nap there for a while--let the bleeding stop, and then get up?
Last edited:
- 14 Mar 2002
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- #75
This might be a typical bear attack (happened two weeks ago in Akita): from behind, lunging at the neck or face, then legging it.
I would assume it's pretty challenging to suppress your urge to escape. Curling up and preparing for the blows and bites takes guts.
I would assume it's pretty challenging to suppress your urge to escape. Curling up and preparing for the blows and bites takes guts.
