Bear Captured After Causing Chaos in Japan Supermarket for Two Days

On December 2, 2024, authorities in Japan’s Akita Prefecture captured and killed a bear after it wreaked havoc inside a supermarket for two days.

The animal entered the store early on Saturday morning and attacked a 47-year-old employee, who sustained non-life-threatening facial injuries.

The incident occurred just before the store was set to open, with about 20 staff members present. After the attack, the bear roamed freely through the supermarket, heading straight for the meat section, where it helped itself to the store’s inventory.

The Capture

The store was quickly evacuated, and local authorities, including police and hunters, rushed to the scene. Although efforts to find the bear using drones and traps initially failed, authorities eventually set up two traps baited with rice bran, bananas, apples, and honey-coated bread.

By Monday morning, the bear was found and captured in one of the traps placed in the rear storage area.

The episode began with an emergency call on Saturday after the bear injured the worker. While there were no customers inside at the time, the bear caused extensive damage to the supermarket’s meat section before being apprehended.

A Growing Problem

This incident reflects a troubling rise in bear sightings and attacks in Japan. Last year, the country experienced a record number of fatalities from bear encounters, with six people killed.

Experts point to factors such as Japan’s shrinking rural population and climate change affecting the bears’ food sources as reasons for the animals moving closer to human settlements.

In northern regions like Akita, bears are increasingly venturing into urban areas to find food ahead of their hibernation period.

With an aging population and fewer hunters available to manage wildlife, local authorities are facing growing challenges. Last year alone, hunters killed over 9,000 bears, a significant increase from previous years.

Authorities’ Measures for Public Safety

To address this escalating issue, several regions in Japan have turned to technology, using AI-powered surveillance systems to track bears, particularly around agricultural and urban areas.

These systems help prevent dangerous interactions between bears and humans.

AI Spots Bear on Camera. Photo courtesy of The Mainichi

The Akita supermarket incident is part of a broader trend of bear-related incidents this year, prompting repeated safety warnings from authorities.

Residents in urban areas have been urged to remain cautious, as bears have been spotted wandering through both commercial and residential spaces.

The Bigger Picture

While the Akita bear was captured and killed, experts continue to stress the importance of a balanced approach to bear management—one that ensures public safety while also protecting wildlife.

(Translation: Warning Wild bear) for illustration purposes only

As bear populations grow and their natural habitats diminish, managing these encounters will remain a persistent challenge for Japanese authorities.

This rare incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between urban expansion and wildlife conservation, and the ongoing efforts required to safeguard both people and nature.

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