News Black Bear Morioka Atagoshita, Iwate Dec 4, 2025, 03:00 PM

Description

In Iwate Prefecture this fiscal year, bear attacks have resulted in five deaths, the highest among prefectures, with incidents reported at open-air baths of hot spring inns and inside homes. Sightings have become routine in central Morioka, prompting measures such as closing outdoor baths and switching automatic doors to manual; hunting associations report an "abnormal situation," having to cull bears with spears because firearms cannot be used.

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

Summary

This year in Iwate Prefecture, repeated bear attacks have led to five deaths, the highest among prefectures. Attacks occurred at open-air baths of ryokan and in homes, and sightings have become common in central Morioka, prompting measures like closing outdoor baths and converting automatic doors to manual. Hunting associations, unable to use firearms, have resorted to spears for culling and describe the situation as abnormal and alarming.

Bear Type

Black Bear

Number of Bears

1

Provider Type

News

Date & Time

Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 03:00 PM

Address

Coordinates

39.701956, 141.154330

Sources