Parks Closed Amid Ongoing Bear Sightings
Fatal Incident Occurs on Hiking Trail
Brown bear (photo to aid article understanding). Science
Incidents involving bear attacks, including the death of a hiker, have been occurring in Hokkaido, Japan. As reports continue to surface from hikers and campers who have spotted bears in the area, authorities have closed certain parks and are urging the public to exercise caution.
According to Yahoo Japan on the 17th, there have been multiple bear sightings at Nishioka Park, located in Toyohira Ward, Sapporo. At around 8:40 a.m. that day, a park manager reported a sighting to the police, and two additional sightings were reported at approximately 8:10 a.m. the same day.
In response, the Sapporo city government closed Nishioka Park and instructed campers to vacate the premises. Police cars have been deployed near the park, and local residents have also been urged to remain vigilant.
An expert commented, "Recently, there has been a rapid increase in brown bear sightings in the Hokkaido region. Although attacks are not common, the risk has been rising lately," adding, "I hope people do not risk their lives for hiking."
Japanese Hiker Missing After Bear Attack... Body Eventually Found
On the same day, a fatal bear attack occurred on Mount Rausu in Shiretoko, Hokkaido, resulting in the death of a male hiker.
According to the Asahi Shimbun and other Japanese media on the 17th, the man was hiking with a friend on the 14th when he was attacked by a bear. He was walking about 200 meters ahead of his friend when he fell to the ground with a loud noise. His friend rushed to help, but the bear bit the man's thigh and dragged him into the forest.
The friend reported the incident to the police at around 11:10 a.m. Rescue teams later discovered bloodstained belongings, including a shirt, wristwatch, and wallet, in the bushes beside the trail at an altitude of approximately 550 meters in the early hours of the following day. At around 3:20 p.m. the same day, the body was found nearby. The body was reportedly covered in wounds, with significant damage to the lower body. The cause of death was determined to be excessive bleeding due to multiple traumatic injuries across the body.
It has been reported that bear sightings have become more frequent in the area where the incident occurred. On the 10th, a 68-year-old hiker encountered one adult bear and two cubs and managed to escape. On the 13th, the Ministry of the Environment, the Shiretoko Foundation, and local officials conducted an on-site investigation but were unable to locate the bears.
At that time, experts advised, "Hikers should always carry bear deterrent spray."
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