Bear Sightings Begin to Increase as Hibernation Ends

Tokyo, April 3 (Jiji Press)--Local authorities in Japan are warning people to watch out for bears as they emerge from hibernation.

According to the Environment Ministry, the number of bear attack victims in fiscal 2025 had reached 237 by February, the highest in 10 years. The number of deaths reached 13, mainly in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido and the Tohoku northeastern region, surpassing 10 for the first time.

After waking up from hibernation, usually in late March or later, bears actively seek food and may become aggressive.

On March 8, a 69-year-old male corporate worker strayed off a hiking trail and fell into a snow hole on Mount Iwagami in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate, where he encountered a bear and was slightly injured from a bite to his left calf.

In response, the prefectural government on March 24 issued a bear alert, which it usually issues in April or later. "If you encounter a bear, please act calmly, such as avoiding turning your back," a prefectural official urged.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]