A man in his 20s was attacked and dragged into the bushes by a brown bear while hiking on Mount Rausu in Hokkaido, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dense brown bear population. The man was hiking with a friend on Wednesday when the bear attacked. His friend, who was able to escape, called for help, and a search operation involving police helicopters and officers on foot has been launched, but the man’s whereabouts remain unknown.
The incident is the latest in a series of brown bear encounters in the Shiretoko Peninsula, where Mount Rausu is located. Reports from the Shiretoko Nature Foundation indicate that bears in the region are becoming increasingly habituated to humans, with multiple sightings and close approaches reported since July. Wildlife experts state that this accelerated habituation has led to a serious incident. The foundation strongly recommends that hikers carry bear spray and be aware of their surroundings.
Authorities have cautioned hikers about the increased risk of bear encounters, especially in areas with poor visibility or where bears are likely to be present. The Shiretoko National Park area is a well-known brown bear habitat, and officials have emphasized the importance of making noise while hiking and avoiding leaving food or trash behind, as these actions can attract bears and lead to dangerous behavior.