Bear Attack in Japan Highlights Surge in Encounters

On November 28, 2025, a 69-year-old security guard was attacked by a bear in a public restroom near JR Numata Station in Gunma Prefecture, north-west of Tokyo. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. as the man was about to exit the restroom. He reported seeing the bear, estimated to be between 1 to 1.5 meters long, peering inside. In the ensuing struggle, the guard fell backward but managed to fend off the bear by kicking it, causing the animal to flee. He sustained minor injuries to his right leg and was able to reach a nearby police box to report the attack.

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This incident is part of a troubling trend in Japan, where bear attacks have reached record levels. Since April 2025, there have been 197 reported bear attacks, with 13 fatalities attributed to these encounters. The number of incidents is on track to surpass the previous annual record of 219 attacks set in fiscal year 2023. Many of these attacks have occurred in populated areas, particularly in northern prefectures such as Akita, Iwate, and Fukushima.

The Guardian

Experts attribute the rise in bear attacks to food scarcity in the bears' natural habitats, particularly due to poor crops of acorns and beechnuts. As a result, bears are venturing into residential and urban areas in search of food. In response to the escalating situation, the Japanese government has deployed members of the Self-Defense Forces to assist local hunters in trapping and disposing of bears. Additionally, armed police have been authorized to shoot bears amid a shortage of licensed hunters.

The Guardian

The local government in Onagawa recently faced criticism for posting an AI-generated image of a bear on social media to raise awareness about bear attacks. The image, which depicted a bear standing on a road at night, was removed after residents expressed concern over its authenticity. An official from the municipality acknowledged the mistake, stating, “We have caused anxiety and inconvenience to the town’s residents.”

The Guardian

While the government has taken steps to address the bear attack crisis, some critics argue that the measures may not be sufficient to prevent future incidents. The reliance on hunting and lethal measures raises ethical concerns among animal rights advocates, who call for alternative solutions to manage bear populations and protect both wildlife and human communities.

The Guardian

• “We have caused anxiety and inconvenience to the town’s residents,” — Onagawa official

The Guardian

The ongoing situation in Japan underscores the complex relationship between humans and wildlife, particularly as urban expansion encroaches on natural habitats.

The Guardian