Five Injured in Series of Bear Attacks Across Japan Amidst Record Surge

Multiple Incidents Reported on November 9th

On Sunday, November 9th, five people were injured in a series of bear attacks across three prefectures in Japan: Akita, Aomori, and Niigata. None of the injuries sustained were reported to be life-threatening.

In Aomori Prefecture, a 57-year-old employee of a ramen shop was scratched on the face by a bear. In Akita Prefecture, specifically in Gojome, a 78-year-old woman suffered facial scratches, and her 50-year-old daughter sustained an injury to her left thigh while attempting to assist her mother. Another incident in Misato, Akita Prefecture, involved an 83-year-old man who was attacked near his home and suffered a face injury. In Niigata Prefecture, a man in his 60s reported being scratched on the ribs by an adult bear that emerged from a bush.

Context of Escalating Bear Encounters

These recent attacks contribute to a significant and ongoing surge in bear sightings and incidents across Japan. As of early November 2025, Japan has recorded a record 13 fatalities from bear attacks this year, more than double the previous record set in 2023-2024. Additionally, over 100 people have been injured since April of this year.

The increased activity is largely attributed to several interconnected factors:

• Expanding Bear Populations: Japan's bear populations, particularly Asiatic black bears on Honshu and brown bears in Hokkaido, have grown significantly.
• Food Scarcity: Poor harvests of natural food sources like acorns and beech nuts, especially in 2023 and this year, are driving hungry bears into human-populated areas in search of sustenance.
• Habitat Encroachment and Rural Depopulation: The blurring of traditional boundaries between human settlements and bear habitats, partly due to rural depopulation and abandoned farmlands, is leading to more frequent interactions.
• Behavioral Changes: Bears are reportedly becoming less fearful of humans, with some experts noting a change in their aggressive behavior during encounters.

Official Response and Public Warnings

In response to the escalating situation, Japanese authorities have implemented various measures. The Self-Defense Forces (SDF) have been deployed to assist with trapping and logistical support in affected areas, particularly in Akita Prefecture. Riot police have also been authorized to use rifles to cull bears posing an immediate threat near villages. Local governments and the Environment Ministry are issuing warnings, advising residents to carry bear bells, avoid forest edges, secure garbage, and report sightings promptly.

The surge in incidents has also impacted tourism, with some popular autumn foliage destinations experiencing closures and cancellations due to bear sightings. Experts warn that while bears will soon enter hibernation, the underlying issues suggest that human-bear encounters could continue to be a significant concern in the coming years.