Hunter Disappears on Mount Esan
A male hunter in his 50s went missing Tuesday on Mount Esan in Hokkaido’s south, after failing to return from a solo trek. Search teams discovered his rifle and bloodstains along a nearby mountain road. A large brown bear was spotted in the vicinity over the weekend, heightening fears that the animal may be involved.
Bear Emergency Declared in Fukushima Town
Simultaneously, the town of Fukushima—about 120 km away—declared a month-long “bear emergency” following the fatal mauling of 52-year-old newspaper delivery man Kenju Sato. The slain man was found dragged into nearby bushes after a brutal attack. The local response includes 24-hour patrols by police, firefighters, and volunteer hunters.
National Wave of Coordinated Attacks
July has seen bear attacks across Japan’s main islands: an 81-year-old woman killed in Iwate Prefecture (July 4), and two separate attacks on elderly women in Aomori and Nara this week. These incidents feed growing concern over human safety as bears venture closer to populated areas.
Food Scarcity and Rural Decline Fuel the Crisis
Experts link the surge to a combination of acorn and beechnut shortages—exacerbated by climate change—and a decline in rural populations that allows bears to roam abandoned farmland unchecked. A poor nut crop forecast by the Tohoku regional forest office is expected to maintain high risks into autumn.
New Legal Tools and Public Warnings
In response, the government relaxed hunting laws in April 2025, permitting emergency shootings of bears deemed dangerous in urban zones. Residents are urged to refrain from leaving food waste outdoors and to stay alert—especially near forest edges.
What Comes Next
- Expanded Searches: Rescue teams are combing Mount Esan for the missing hunter.
- Emergency Tactics: Fukushima’s round-the-clock patrols will continue while the alert remains in force.
- Preventive Measures: Authorities are advising strict food waste management and offering guidance via local-level advisories.
Final Word
Northern Japan faces an escalating wildlife safety crisis as hungry bears enter towns in search of food. The disappearance of the hunter highlights the potential danger. With emergency protocols activated, officials face the challenge of protecting lives while managing wildlife—an uneasy balancing act brought on by environmental change and shifting demographics.
