U.S. Embassy Warns Americans in Japan to Stay Alert for Bears After 13 Deadly Attacks in 2025

The U.S. Embassy Warns American Visitors of Bear Threat in Japan

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan have issued a warning to travellers to be cautious of bears after the country reported 13 deadly attacks. The alert, released in November, follows a spate of fatalities, with seven fatal incidents occurring in October. Experts attribute the rise in attacks to an increase in bear populations and a poor acorn harvest.

Visitors to Japan, particularly in the northern regions, are advised to remain vigilant for potentially aggressive bears. The alert specifically targets those in Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Akita Prefecture, and the surrounding areas of northern Japan. Following a bear sighting in Sapporo’s Maruyama Park, authorities closed the park for two weeks as a precaution.

In response to the heightened bear activity, the alert urges individuals at the U.S. Consulate General and surrounding areas to be extra cautious and report any bear sightings promptly to local authorities. Reports indicate that bears have also been sighted in residential areas in Hokkaido and Akita prefectures, prompting closures of public spaces to ensure public safety.

The U.S. Embassy’s advisory comes in the wake of a series of deadly bear attacks in Japan, with seven fatalities recorded in October alone and a total of 13 over the past year. Reports suggest that Japan has witnessed 200 bear-related injuries since April, underscoring the severity of the situation. The surge in the Asiatic black bear population, coupled with a diminished acorn supply in 2025, has fuelled human-bear confrontations as the animals search for food before hibernation.

Media outlets have pointed to the decline in Japan’s rural population as a contributing factor to the increase in bear attacks, as reduced human presence allows bears to expand their territories. To mitigate the risks, Japanese authorities have mobilised troops to assist hunters in controlling bear populations, particularly in severely affected areas like Akita prefecture.

With a record number of fatalities exceeding the previous mark of six deaths, Japan has intensified its efforts to address the bear threat. The country is home to two bear species, namely the Asiatic black bear and the Hokkaido brown bear. The former, with an estimated population of 42,000, is identifiable by its distinctive crescent-moon pattern on its chest and robust build, reaching heights of 4 to 5 feet and weighing up to 440 pounds. In contrast, the Hokkaido brown bear, although larger, is less prevalent, with approximately 12,000 specimens in Japan.

In conclusion, as Japan grapples with a surge in bear attacks, vigilance and caution are paramount for residents and visitors alike. The U.S. Embassy’s advisory serves as a timely reminder of the dangers posed by these animals and underscores the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions when in bear-prone areas.