Bear attacks are increasing across Japan. On July 15 in Nara Prefecture, an 82-year-old woman was attacked by a bear in her yard while doing early morning chores. She was injured on her face but survived. The bear, a black bear (Asian black bear), ran off before rescuers arrived.
Other recent bear attacks include:
- A 52-year-old newspaper delivery man in Hokkaido who was killed in a residential area.
- A woman in Aomori injured while working at her apple farm.
- Two workers in Fukushima hurt while working near a river where a bear had been spotted.
Experts warn that if you suddenly encounter a bear:
- Do not run. Bears have poor eyesight and may not notice you right away.
- Back away slowly. Stay calm.
- Make noise with bells or radios in advance to avoid surprise encounters.
- If the bear is very close, crouch down, use bags or items to shield your back, and protect your neck with your hands to avoid fatal injuries.
by MagazineKey4532