Japan saw a record 196 victims of bear attacks from April to October 2025, according to the Environment Ministry. October alone recorded 88 attacks, including seven deaths. The rise is linked to bears entering urban areas due to food shortages.
The Environment Ministry announced on November 17 that 196 people were injured or killed in wild bear attacks across Japan from April to October 2025. This marks the highest figure since records began in fiscal 2006, approaching the annual record of 219 set in fiscal 2023. In October alone, 88 people were attacked, with seven fatalities—both monthly records.
By prefecture, Akita recorded the most casualties at 56, including three deaths, followed by Iwate with 34, Fukushima with 20, and Nagano with 15. Akita saw 37 attacks in October, resulting in two deaths. The ministry attributes the sharp rise to bears venturing into urban areas due to a scarcity of beech nuts, a key food source.
As of November 5, fatalities since April totaled 13 nationwide, more than double the six from fiscal 2023. In response, the government strengthened measures, including a September amendment to the Law on the Protection and Management of Wildlife, allowing conditional use of hunting rifles in urban areas. This new system has been used 24 times in nine prefectures, including Hokkaido, over the past two months. Amended rules also permit police to use rifles against bears.
The ministry warns that bear sightings in urban areas continue into November, urging vigilance as the trend may persist.
