Japan's Escalating Bear Menace: Understanding the Threat and Survival Strategies

Japan is currently experiencing an unusual and alarming rise in bear encounters, with sightings and incidents being reported almost daily. According to the Ministry of the Environment, between April and July of this year alone, 55 people were injured and 4 tragically lost their lives due to bear attacks. These numbers are especially concerning when compared to the full year of 2023, which saw 219 total victims and 6 fatalities. If things continue at this pace, 2025 may see record-breaking numbers of bear-related incidents.

What's particularly worrying is that this isn’t just happening in traditional bear territories like Hokkaido anymore. Places in the northeast and Chubu regions, such as Nagano, Iwate, Akita, and Niigata Prefectures, have seen a noticeable uptick in bear encounters. These are often quiet, rural towns and mountain villages, but now bears are showing up more casually than ever.

In one striking case, a park in Sapporo had to be completely closed off after a bear was spotted nearby. Another bear was even seen walking across a massive ski jump in Nayoro City, treating it like a forest trail. Bears have also been spotted near homes, in parks, farmlands, and even city streets.

So why is this happening?

One major reason is the changing climate. Winters have been warmer in recent years, causing bears to wake from hibernation earlier and stay active longer throughout the year. The longer they’re awake, the more likely they are to come into contact with people.

Food shortages in the mountains are also pushing bears out of their natural habitats. Beech and mizunara trees, which provide important food sources for bears, didn’t yield much this year. With less to eat, the bears are venturing into farmland and even towns to look for fruit, crops, or anything edible—including leftovers in garbage bins.

There’s also a human factor at play. With Japan’s population aging and fewer people living in rural areas, many nearby fields and orchards are abandoned. These areas, overgrown and full of wild fruits, become easy feeding grounds for hungry bears.

And in some neighborhoods, trash isn’t always disposed of properly. Poorly covered garbage stations allow food smells to drift out, essentially inviting bears down from the mountains. This means bear visits aren’t limited to the countryside anymore—they’re happening in cities too.

Another concerning change is in the behavior of mother bears. Typically more active at night, some are now moving around during the day, often with their cubs. This overlap with human activity times increases the chances of accidental confrontations. Campers and hikers, especially, are at risk if they unknowingly get too close.

So what should you do if you come face-to-face with a bear?

Professor Nakae Shishimaru from Akita University, an expert in treating bear-related injuries, says that in most cases, bears go straight for the face. Their sharp claws and teeth make facial injuries particularly dangerous. Losing blood quickly or getting an infection can turn a bad situation deadly.

If the bear is still far away and seems curious rather than aggressive, try to stay calm. Look at the bear (but don’t stare or shout), and slowly back away without turning your back. Never run—bears can hit speeds up to 50 km/h, so you won’t outrun them.

But if a bear charges, don’t try to fight it or freeze in panic. Instead, protect your face and neck by crossing your arms behind your head, curling up into a ball, and turning your back to the bear. The idea is to make yourself less of a threat. If the bear sees no resistance, it may leave you alone after a few bites.

Professor Nakae explains that this “playing dead” posture is especially effective with black bears, which often attack out of panic. Staying still and covered up might save your life.

Here are a few simple ways to stay safe:

• Always keep your backpack on—it can be a shield.
• Don’t try to climb a tree—black bears are great climbers.
• Avoid throwing anything at the bear, as it might provoke it.
• Carry a bear bell or pepper spray when heading into nature.
• Check bear sightings before you go hiking.
• Try a bear bell app on your phone as a sound deterrent.
• Never leave trash behind—food waste draws bears in.
• And whenever possible, explore in groups. It’s safer than going solo.

With autumn approaching and more people heading outdoors, it's more important than ever to stay alert, be prepared, and respect the wildlife around us.

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