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Play dead or fight back? I'm getting opposite advice

jt_hiking 2 months ago
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Play dead or fight back? I'm getting opposite advice - Thread image 1

I keep seeing contradictory advice about bear attacks in Japan. Some say play dead, others say fight back. Then someone told me it depends on the species?

Hiking both Hokkaido and Nagano Alps this summer. Need to know:

  • Which bear is where?
  • Correct response for each?
  • How to tell them apart?
  • Any overlap zones?

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Kumamap Team 2 months ago

Kumamap tracks 104,110 black bear and 12,455 brown bear incidents. The response to each is opposite.

Japanese black bear (Honshu, Shikoku):

  • 40-120 kg. White crescent on chest. ~42,000 population.
  • IF ATTACKED: Fight back. Target nose and eyes.

Ussuri brown bear (Hokkaido only):

  • 200-400 kg. Shoulder hump, no chest marking. ~12,000 population.
  • IF ATTACKED: Play dead. Face down, hands over neck, spread legs.

No overlap. The Tsugaru Strait between Honshu and Hokkaido separates them completely. On Honshu = black bear. On Hokkaido = brown bear. Location is your answer.

Before any of that though:

  1. Don't run. Bears sprint 48 km/h.
  2. Back away slowly, facing the bear.
  3. Bear spray if within 5-9 meters.

Full guide: kumamap.com/en/blog/bears-in-japan-guide

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