News 2 Black Bears Kazuno City, Akita, Akita May 20, 2016

Description

From May to June 2016, Asiatic black bears (tsukinowaguma) attacked people around Towariyama in Kazuno City, Akita, resulting in 4 deaths and many other serious and minor injuries. Multiple bears, initially drawn by bamboo shoots, reportedly began to view humans as prey after tasting human flesh.

Note: Official sources provide information in Japanese only. This description has been machine translated for your convenience.

Summary

The Towariyama bear attacks occurred in May–June 2016 around Towariyama in Kazuno City, Akita, where people gathering bamboo shoots and wild plants were repeatedly attacked. In a span of about half a month, four people were killed and many more injured. Investigations found multiple Asiatic black bears were involved, and that after tasting human flesh some bears began to regard humans as food and repeated attacks.

Bear Type

Black Bear

Number of Bears

2

Provider Type

News

Date & Time

Friday, May 20, 2016

Address

Coordinates

40.215772, 140.788501

Sources