News Black Bear Akita Sanno, Akita Apr 20, 2026, 03:00 PM

Description

In Akita Prefecture a police officer was reported injured after being attacked by a bear, and a woman's body was found nearby. Sightings of so‑called "spring bears" have surged after hibernation: as of 21 April at 21:00 there were about 200 reports in the prefecture, and experts say bears are waking earlier and many individuals are larger than usual.

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

Summary

Sightings of "spring bears" have surged in Akita Prefecture, reaching about 200 reports by 21 April. Bears have increasingly appeared even in urban areas; a police officer was injured in an attack and a woman's body was found nearby. Researchers warn that earlier awakening due to warmer temperatures and bears feeding in populated areas — leading to larger animals — represent an abnormal and worrying situation.

Bear Type

Black Bear

Number of Bears

1

Provider Type

News

Date & Time

Monday, April 20, 2026 at 03:00 PM

Address

Coordinates

39.719256, 140.104267

Sources