Bears Attack Without Warning at Parking Lot, Train Station, and Roads... Four Men Seriously or Slightly Injured in Japan

Chain Bear Attacks in Downtown Akita Leave Four Men Injured
Asiatic Black Bears Emerge in City While Foraging Before Hibernation
Residents Say, "It's Hard to Believe There Are Bears in the City"

It is best to avoid bears, and if encountered, respond with sprays or similar measures. Photo of bear deterrence guidelines by the Shiretoko Nature Foundation in Japan.

Another series of human injuries has occurred in Japan, where bear sightings have put authorities on high alert.

On October 20 (local time), the Yomiuri Shimbun reported, "On the morning of the 20th, a series of bear attacks took place in downtown Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, near JR Yuzawa Station, resulting in injuries to four men. Among them, one is in serious condition, while the other three sustained minor injuries." Local police and members of the local hunting association surrounded a nearby building where the bear was believed to be hiding and launched a capture operation. City officials urged residents to refrain from going outside.

Chain Attacks in the Heart of the City at Dawn

According to the Yuzawa Police Station, at around 5:05 a.m. that day, a man in his 60s was scratched on the back by a bear on a city road in the Motoshimizu area of Yuzawa City. About 30 minutes later, on National Route 13 in Omotecho, 600 meters away, a man walking his dog was bitten on the right arm. Five minutes after that, a security guard in his 70s was injured on the back in a hotel parking lot near JR Yuzawa Station.

Then, at around 6:25 a.m. on a residential street in the same Omotecho area, a man in his 60s was scratched on the leg by a bear as he was leaving his house. The bear is believed to have fled into the victim's home, and city officials have set up a box trap in an attempt to capture it.

"A Bear Next to the Highway..." Residents on Edge

The area where the bear was spotted is about 200 meters from JR Yuzawa Station, in a densely populated downtown district with many restaurants and homes. A local resident expressed disbelief, saying, "I can't believe a bear appeared so close to the station and next to a busy highway. At first, I thought it was a joke."

Kurozawa Koichi, who runs a restaurant nearby, said, "I heard that an acquaintance was injured by the bear, so I am very worried. I hope the bear is captured soon so we can feel safe and continue our business."

The Yuzawa City Board of Education notified two elementary schools and two middle schools near the incident site about the bear sightings. Each school instructed parents to ensure their children's safety before sending them to school.

Professor Tom Smith and his research team at Brigham Young University are practicing spraying bear repellent spray toward a wheeled teddy bear doll. This is unrelated to the article content. Professor Smith and the Wildlife Society

More Incidents in Other Parts of the Prefecture

On the same day, additional incidents occurred in other parts of Akita Prefecture. In Yokote City, an elderly woman in her 80s was scratched on the head by a bear while tending to trees in her garden. In Yurihonjo City, an elderly man in his 80s suffered facial injuries after being attacked by a bear while checking fishing nets set in a river.

Experts point out that these incidents are related to the active foraging behavior of Asiatic black bears ahead of hibernation. The Asiatic black bear inhabits Honshu and Shikoku, with males growing to a body length of 120 to 150 centimeters and weighing up to 100 kilograms. They are characterized by a white crescent-shaped mark on their chest and have highly developed senses of smell and hearing.

In late November, just before hibernation, their appetite increases significantly, causing them to come down into residential areas in search of food or become more aggressive. The Ministry of the Environment of Japan has urged residents to exercise special caution.

"Do Not Enter Habitats Without Permission; Manage Garbage Thoroughly"

As bear-related injuries have continued to occur across Japan, Minister of the Environment Asao issued an emergency statement on October 17. He urged, "Do not enter bear habitats carelessly, and thoroughly manage food waste and garbage in residential areas to avoid attracting bears. If you encounter a bear, remain calm and keep your distance." Last April, the Ministry of the Environment designated the Asiatic black bear as a "designated managed wildlife species" and announced plans to strengthen population management, including capture, based on scientific data.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.