The United States has issued a warning to travelers regarding a slew of recent bear attacks in Northern Japan.
On November 12, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan published a “Wildlife Alert” noting that authorities closed the U.S. Consulate General near Sapporo’s Maruyama Park. The closure will be for two weeks, following “a bear sighting in the park.” The notice also advised visitors to the consulate to be “diligent and aware” of their surroundings moving forward. The source noted that it is standard protocol for local Japanese authorities to “generally close areas” after a nearby bear sighting.
Regarding how to stay safe from bear attacks in Japan, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates shared common-sense advice. It says to avoid areas where bears have been spotted, not to walk alone in those areas, and to inform local authorities of any sightings. Moreover, travelers are encouraged to register their travels abroad with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The latter helps authorities locate you, should there be an emergency, and it provides important details about your location, such as weather and crisis information.
What Else Should Travelers Know About Bear Attacks In Japan?
Recent bear sightings have occurred in Northern Japan, including in Hokkaido and Akita prefectures. According to the Japan Times, the country’s Environment Ministry noted this month that in October 2025 bears attacked 88 people, and there were seven fatalities. Between April and October of this year, the source claims bears killed or injured 196 people in Japan, with the majority of incidents (56) happening in Akita. There have been over 10 reported deaths during that period. Reportedly, October and November are when bear attacks in Japan are most common, as the animals prepare for hibernation.
There are two types of bears found in Japan: the Asiatic black bear (aka the “moon” bear) and the Hokkaido brown bear. The latter are found in the northern Hokkaido island prefecture, hence the name. In early November, Reuters reported that Japan deployed troops to support local northern authorities in Kazunoto get the small town’s bear issue under control. The latter publication noted that the increase in bear-human incidents in Japan is caused by a combination of numerous factors, including climate change, a rise in bear populations, hunters getting older, and “depopulation of rural areas.”
