Japan is confronting an unprecedented rise in bear attacks in 2025, particularly in northern regions. Since April, more than 100 serious injuries and at least 13 deaths have been reported, making this the deadliest year for human–bear encounters in recent memory. Rural towns in Akita, Iwate, and Hokkaidō have been especially affected, highlighting a growing conflict between humans and wildlife as bears venture into populated areas.
Experts attribute the surge to multiple factors. A poor harvest of acorns, beechnuts, and other natural food sources has left many bears starving, forcing them into towns and villages in search of sustenance. At the same time, decades of conservation and reduced hunting have allowed bear populations to rebound, bringing them into closer contact with humans. Depopulated rural areas, overgrown farmland, and abandoned homes provide easy access for bears, increasing the likelihood of encounters. Authorities have responded by deploying police and military units to manage the threat, issuing safety warnings, and encouraging residents to take precautions against the increasingly bold animals. More