Japan has recently been plagued by serious bear incidents, with frequent reports of wild bear attacks in many areas. According to Japanese media, on the 4th, there were five incidents of bear sightings and injuries in Toyama, Nagano, Shimane, and Iwate prefectures, resulting in at least five people being injured. The frequent bear attacks have caused growing public anxiety.
Among these, in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, a couple in their 70s was attacked by a bear around 2:30 am while delivering newspapers. The 75-year-old husband and 70-year-old wife were both hospitalized for treatment. As the incident occurred near an elementary school, the police have stepped up patrols in the area.
Around 6:30 am in Toyosato, Nozawaonsen Village, Nagano Prefecture, a 78-year-old man was attacked by a bear and suffered face and leg injuries while removing snow in front of his house. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. The area is near a hot spring resort, with many residences and inns.
From April to December 4 this year, bear-related injury incidents have occurred in at least 22 prefectures across the country, with a cumulative total of 235 people injured and 13 killed. Both the number of injuries and fatalities are the highest on record for any year. By prefecture, Akita has had the most injuries at 66, followed by Iwate with 38, Fukushima with 24, Niigata with 17, and Nagano with 16.