Seishi Sato was walking along a trail in the forest of Iwate’s province when he noticed a bush move. Dois Asian bears suddenly appeared. One of them attacked him while the 57-year-old tried to defend himself.
The incident occurred in September. Sato escaped with deep scratches on his arm and thigh. Ele filmed part of the confrontation and shared the video, which gained attention on the networks. The case illustrates the sharp increase in encounters between humans and bears in the country.
Ataques outperforms all previous years since 2006
Ministério of Meio Ambiente of Japão counted 212 people attacked by bears in 2023 through December. Seis victims died. The number surpassed the previous record of 158 attacks recorded in 2020. The data covers the entire year, with the total still a month away when the numbers were released.
Avistamentos also grew. In November, authorities recorded 19,191 incidents across the territory. Iwate province led with 5,158 cases, followed by Akita with about 3,000.
- Iwate concentrated the largest number of attacks and sightings
- Akita recorded a high incidence of incidents close to homes
- Regiões from the north of the country accumulated the most records
- Ursos Asians and browns appear more frequently near populated areas
Seishi Sato reports the moment of the confrontation
Sato picked mushrooms about a half-hour walk from the store he manages. Ele felt a presence before seeing the animals. “When I saw them, I was so close and I thought I was in trouble,” he told CNN.
A bear charged. Sato used a branch to push him away and climbed a tree. The animal retreated after a few minutes. Ele attributes survival to quick reaction. The video shows the screams and the effort to repel the attack.
Moradores from the region report increased tension. Ataques even occurred near houses in villages. Pessoas avoid going out alone in green areas.
Especialistas points to food shortages as the main cause
Ursos seek food more frequently outside traditional forests. The diet includes beech acorns, fruits and insects. This year’s poor acorn harvest forced the animals to move down to human areas, according to Maki Yamamoto, Universidade, Tecnologia, Nagaoka associate professor.
Yamamoto explains that years of poor production happen, but the pattern repeats itself with greater intensity. Ursos need to accumulate fat before hibernation. The lack of natural resources leads them to landfills and plantations.
Koji Yamazaki, from Universidade from Agricultura from Tóquio, reinforces that bears normally avoid humans. Mães with puppies react more aggressively when they feel a threat.
Fatores demographics increase risk in rural areas
Japão faces accelerated population aging. Muitos young people migrate to big cities. Vilarejos in the north lose residents. Abandoned Terras become dense forests, making it easier for bears to approach.
In October, of the 71 people attacked, 61 were over 60 years old. Vinte and one were over 80. Idosos carry out activities such as mushroom collecting and farming in mountainous regions.
Meio Ambiente’s minister, Shintaro Ito, announced emergency support. The plan includes capturing animals close to communities and providing assistance to the most affected provinces.
Medidas sites try to contain incidents
In Akita province, authorities offer a reward of 5,000 yen for every bear captured. Elas is studying a fund of up to 15 million yen for transporting animals. Em Karuizawa, in Nagano province, residents patrol forests with dogs.
Especialistas advocate combined approach. Captura alone does not solve the problem, says Yamazaki. It is necessary to map the age, sex and movement patterns of the bears.
Dois main types inhabit the country. Ursos browns live in Hokkaido and can weigh up to 400 pounds. Ursos Black Asians, more common in Honshu, weigh between 40 and 100 pounds.
Vídeo of the attack serves as a warning
Sato maintains a YouTube channel about adventures in nature. Ele remains cautious after the incident. “People are becoming very alert to this situation,” he said.
The case occurred in an area known for the presence of bears. Especialistas recommend making noise when walking, avoiding going out alone and not leaving trash exposed.
The phenomenon is not restricted to 2023. Avistamentos and attacks grew in the following years in several northern prefectures. Autoridades monitor animal behavior and prepare adapted responses.
The balance between bear conservation and human security gains relevance. Meio Ambiente’s Ministério has been keeping monthly records since 2006 to guide public policy.
