Surge in Brown Bear Captures in Hokkaido Amid Unusual Sightings Across Japan

The Hokkaido prefectural government reported a significant increase in brown bear captures, with a preliminary total of 2,013 bears captured from April 2025 to January 2026. This figure marks the first time the annual capture count has surpassed 2,000, nearly doubling the 1,026 bears captured during the entirety of fiscal 2024. The previous record of 1,804 captures was set in fiscal 2023. The surge in captures is attributed to a poor acorn crop, prompting bears to venture into urban areas in search of food.

The Straits TimesBear Sightings Spread Across Japan, Experts Call It Abnormal

Despite February typically being the peak of hibernation for bears, multiple sightings have been reported across Japan, raising concerns about potential encounters with humans. Notably, an Asian black bear was spotted in Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, on February 12, a month earlier than usual. Additionally, a bear sighting in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, resulted in an injury to a local hunting association member during efforts to drive the bear away. Other sightings were reported in Hokkaido and Tochigi Prefecture, indicating a broader trend of bear activity during a time when they are usually dormant.

Bear Sightings Spread Across Japan, Experts Call It AbnormalThe Straits Times

Takanori Yamauchi, an associate professor at Iwate University, commented on the unusual timing of these sightings, stating, "This is normally a period when bears are hibernating, so sightings at this time are extremely rare." He noted that rising temperatures and early snowmelt could influence the end of hibernation, while the lack of food sources in mountainous areas may drive bears into residential zones. Yamauchi urged the public to exercise caution in light of these developments.

Bear Sightings Spread Across Japan, Experts Call It Abnormal

The rise in bear captures and sightings poses significant implications for public safety and wildlife management in Japan. The Hokkaido government is likely to face increased pressure to address the growing bear population and its encroachment into urban areas. As the final capture numbers for fiscal 2025 are expected to rise, the situation may necessitate further discussions on wildlife conservation and management strategies.

Bear Sightings Spread Across Japan, Experts Call It Abnormal

The Hokkaido prefectural government has acknowledged the record number of bear captures and the factors contributing to this trend. They are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely and may implement additional measures to mitigate human-bear encounters.

Bear Sightings Spread Across Japan, Experts Call It Abnormal

While the Hokkaido government reported 2,013 captures, the final count may include additional bears captured with central government permission, suggesting that the total could be higher. There is also a lack of comprehensive data on the long-term effects of these encounters on both bear populations and human safety.

The Straits Times

• “Takanori Yamauchi, associate professor at the Faculty of Agriculture at Iwate University, said: "This is normally a period when bears are hibernating, so sightings at this time are extremely rare.” — Takanori Yamauchi, Associate Professor, Iwate University

Bear Sightings Spread Across Japan, Experts Call It Abnormal

• “We saw something black moving. When I quickly brought my camera over to check, it was a bear walking. It's unusual for this time of year.” — Eyewitness, Shunkunitai, Hokkaido

Bear Sightings Spread Across Japan, Experts Call It Abnormal