Bear attacks surge in Japan, death toll hits record high

Bear attacks on humans in Japan have sharply increased, prompting authorities to deploy the military and strengthen safety measures in the hardest-hit regions, Bloomberg reports.

According to the government, at least 12 people have died from bear attacks since April 2025, marking the highest number in recent years and surpassing the previous record of six fatalities in 2023. Dozens more have been injured.

The Tohoku region in northern Japan has been particularly affected, with elderly residents—often foraging for mushrooms or working on rural plots—most at risk.

The situation is exacerbated in Tohoku by population decline and a shortage of hunters, making wildlife management increasingly difficult.

In response, Akita Prefecture authorities have taken emergency measures, requesting assistance from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. Military personnel now patrol forested areas near residential neighborhoods, set traps, and accompany rescue services to ensure public safety.

By Vugar Khalilov