नेपाली
Japan, At least two people have been killed and 10 others injured in bear attacks across six prefectures in Japan since April, according to reports from public broadcaster NHK.
Authorities say the majority of incidents occurred in forested regions, where at least eight victims were attacked. Among them, five people—including the two fatalities—were reportedly targeted while foraging for edible wild plants in mountainous areas.
In addition to forest-related encounters, several attacks have been recorded in residential and semi-urban locations. In one incident in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, a woman in her 40s was scratched by a bear while walking her dog in a neighborhood. In another case in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, a 48-year-old man was injured while inspecting rice fields.
Following the incidents, Japan’s Environment Ministry has urged residents to take preventive measures. These include carrying bear bells or radios during outdoor activities, avoiding solo travel in high-risk areas, properly managing food waste, and staying updated on local bear sighting alerts issued by authorities.
Official data further shows that bear attacks in Japan have resulted in 238 casualties in fiscal 2025, including 13 deaths, highlighting a growing concern over wildlife encounters in rural and residential areas.
