Authorities in Japan are urging the public to learn how to protect themselves from bears following a surge in attacks, with nine fatalities recorded since April—the highest annual total on record. The environment ministry reported that Asian black bears and Ussuri brown bears, numbering 44,000 and 12,000 respectively, are increasingly venturing into populated areas in search of food.
Experts advise that anyone encountering a bear should avoid eye contact and sudden movements, back away slowly without turning their back, and never attempt to run or climb a tree. If an attack seems imminent, victims should lie face down and protect their head and neck. A study by Akita University found that all seven respondents who followed this method escaped serious injury.
Preventative measures include carrying a bell or whistle, staying in groups, and using repellent spray, though it is not widely available in Japan. Hiking at dawn or dusk should be avoided, as bears are most active then, and food or rubbish should never be discarded. The rise in encounters is attributed to declining acorn and beechnut harvests, warmer winters delaying hibernation, and rural depopulation blurring natural boundaries.
Akita Prefecture Governor Kenta Suzuki has considered requesting military assistance due to a shortage of licensed hunters. Environment Minister Hirotaka Ishihara called the situation a “serious problem” and pledged to train more hunters and manage the bear population. Hardware stores in affected areas report high demand for bells, whistles, and rented repellent spray.
