Japan's bear attacks are alarmingly increasing this 2023. Experts warned that encounters between humans and bears could happen more often than expected; warning citizens to stay vigilant.
Japanese authorities said that they are struggling to address the rising interactions between citizens and carnivoran mammals since many of them are starting to leave their natural habitats. As of writing, Japan's environment ministry said that they already recorded over 200 bear attacks in the past eight months since April; 30 of these animal attacks happened in November alone.
Japan Bear Attacks Alarmingly Increase Due to Hibernation Delays
The Guardian reported that this is the first time that bear attacks in Japan exceeded the 200 record. Unfortunately, six of the victims died; one of them was a fisherman (angler) whose remains were found close to a 1.5-meter-tall bear in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido.
The clawed animal was shot dead. After that, authorities conducted DNA testing and confirmed that the human body parts belonged to the missing angler. Local authorities said that the bear attacks are increasing because many of these mammals are experiencing hibernation delays, which is mainly caused by hunger.
They added that bears are leaving their natural habitats in search of food. Usually, bears in Japan will hibernate from late November until the spring every year.
Sadly, because of food scarcity, bears and other hibernating animals are expected to continue to forage. Teruki Oka, a forestry expert, said that some bears also hibernate earlier than November.
However, because their energy is not enough to last until April, they usually wander around finding food.
"They are hungry and agitated in the winter due to the lack of prey animals," said Prof. Hiromi Taguchi from Tohoku University of Art and Design.
He warned that bears who developed a fondness for meat, such as the infamous OSO18, which attacked over 60 cows, could be menacing.
What To Do In Case of Bear Attack
It is indeed sad to know that bears only leave their habitats because they don't have enough food. However, it is still important to know the things you should do in case you encounter an attacking bear.
The National Park Service said that bears will show different kinds of behaviors during certain situations. Some will run away from people while others will try to attack humans; leading to a deadly encounter.
Usually, bears will do their "bluff charges"; the survival technique they use when encountering potential threats or when they're in distress.
During bluff charges, NEVER look away from the bear. Instead, back away slowly while waving your hands above your head. If ever the bear's bluff charge leads to a direct contact, do the following:
- Black Bears: Don't play dead. Instead, fight back with everything you have; punch and kick it, throw rocks at it, and use your bear spray to defend yourself.
- Brown Bears (Grizzlies): NEVER try to fight back. Playing dead is your best option, but always cover your head and neck with your arms while lying flat on your stomach.
