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

U.S. officials are urging travelers to Japan to stay alert for aggressive bear activity, especially in the country’s northern regions.

On Nov. 12, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan issued a wildlife alert about Asiatic black bears — the most common bear species in Japan. The advisory specifically highlighted Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Akita Prefecture, and other parts of northern Japan.

According to the alert, bear sightings and attacks have been increasing in areas near towns and neighborhoods. In Sapporo, authorities temporarily closed Maruyama Park — located next to the U.S. Consulate General — for two weeks after a bear was spotted there.

The embassy also warned consulate staff and visitors to be mindful of their surroundings, noting that bears have appeared in other residential zones across Hokkaido and Akita. Officials said parks and similar public spaces are usually shut down when bears are reported nearby.

Visitors who encounter a bear near homes or businesses are advised not to approach it. Instead, they should leave the animal alone and report the sighting to local authorities.

The warning follows a deadly stretch of bear incidents across Japan. In October alone, seven people were killed in bear maulings close to populated areas, and 13 fatal attacks have been recorded over the past year. Japan has also logged about 200 bear-related injuries since April.

Reports attribute the surge in encounters to several factors. A growing Asiatic black bear population and a poor acorn harvest in 2025 have driven hungry bears closer to people as they prepare for hibernation. Another contributor is the shrinking human population in rural Japan, which has reduced day-to-day activity in some areas and allowed bears to expand their range.

Japan has already exceeded its previous record for bear-attack deaths, which had stood at six. In response, authorities have deployed troops to Akita Prefecture — one of the hardest-hit regions — to support hunters working to manage bear numbers.

Japan is home to two bear species. The Asiatic black bear, estimated at around 42,000 nationwide, is recognizable by a cream-colored, crescent-moon marking on its chest and a thick mane around its face. Adults typically stand about 4 to 5 feet tall and can weigh as much as 440 pounds.

The Hokkaido brown bear is larger but less common, with roughly 12,000 animals in Japan.