Surge in Bear Attacks in Japan: 27 Injured or Killed This Fiscal Year

In Japan, bear attacks have surged this fiscal year, resulting in injuries or fatalities for 27 individuals across nine prefectures. The Ministry of the Environment has reported four deaths and numerous injuries, particularly in urban areas and while foraging in forests. Recent incidents include attacks in Fukushima and Akita Prefectures, raising public concern. With increasing bear sightings in cities, authorities are urging residents to adopt safety measures to prevent encounters. This article delves into the statistics, specific incidents, and recommendations from officials to ensure public safety amidst this growing issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 11, 2026, 14:14 IST

Bear Attacks in Japan: A Growing Concern

Representational Image(Photo: @Animal_Watch/X)

Tokyo, June 11: This fiscal year, bear attacks have resulted in injuries or fatalities for at least 27 individuals across nine prefectures in Japan, as reported by a public broadcaster.

The Ministry of the Environment has confirmed that four individuals have lost their lives due to bear encounters.

Fukushima has reported the highest number of incidents, with eight casualties, followed by Akita with five, Iwate with four, and Yamagata and Toyama each with three. Additionally, Tokyo, Niigata, Hokkaido, and Miyagi have each recorded one incident, according to reports from Xinhua news agency, citing the public broadcaster NHK.

Out of the 27 victims, at least 11 were attacked in areas populated by humans, including urban settings, agricultural lands, and neighborhoods.

On June 2, a series of bear attacks in a Fukushima City neighborhood resulted in injuries to four individuals in a mixed area of businesses and residences.

On Tuesday, an elderly woman in her 80s in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, sustained injuries after encountering a bear outside her home. On the same day, another woman was attacked by a bear in a shrine parking lot in the mountainous region of Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, suffering facial and shoulder injuries.

Moreover, at least nine individuals, including three fatalities, are believed to have been attacked while foraging for wild edible plants in forested or mountainous regions.

Bear sightings in urban areas have increased, causing public alarm. Recently, a bear weighing approximately 100 kg was tranquilized after being spotted multiple times over four days in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, leading to the temporary closure of all 94 municipal elementary and junior high schools. Another bear was captured near Amanohashidate, a well-known tourist destination in Kyoto Prefecture, as reported by Kyodo News.

To mitigate the risk of bear attacks, the Ministry of the Environment advises individuals to carry radios or bear bells, travel in groups, make loud noises in areas with limited visibility, avoid leaving food waste that could attract bears, and stay updated on the latest bear sighting information from local authorities.