Japan bear attacks
Record Bear Attacks in Japan: Climate Change, Population Growth, and Rural Challenges Converge
Nov 12, 2025 05:27 pm CST
Japan faces unprecedented bear attacks with 13 fatalities since April, as expanding bear populations and poor acorn harvests drive hungry animals into human settlements. Despite military deployment and increased culling efforts, the crisis highlights the complex intersection of wildlife management, climate change, and rural depopulation in modern Japan.
Military Deployed to Combat Rising Bear Attacks in Japan's Northern Hot Springs Region
Nov 05, 2025 03:06 pm CST
Japan's Self-Defense Forces have been deployed to assist with bear trapping in Kazuno following a surge in attacks that has left 12 people dead nationwide since April. With bear sightings in Akita prefecture increasing six-fold to over 8,000 this year, the military will support local efforts to manage the growing wildlife crisis affecting rural communities known for hot springs and natural beauty.