Tuesday 19 May 2026 09:29 BSTA Japanese black bear (Getty/iStock)A Russian hiker was seriously injured in a bear attack while hiking in Okutama, a mountainous area west of Tokyo. The man, in his 30s, sustained injuries to his arm and face and was airlifted to a local hospital. He was hiking alone without a bear deterrent when the incident occurred; authorities have since installed a cage to try and capture the animal. The attack comes amidst a significant increase in bear sightings in Okutama, with approximately 40 reported since April. Japan is experiencing a surge in dangerous bear encounters, linked to growing bear populations, climate-related food scarcity, and rural depopulation, driving animals closer to human areas. In fullRussian hiker becomes victim of rising bear attacks in Japan
Russian hiker attacked by black bear in Japan amid spike in incidents
Tuesday 19 May 2026 09:29 BSTA Japanese black bear (Getty/iStock)A Russian hiker was seriously injured in a bear attack while hiking in Okutama, a mountainous area west of Tokyo. The man, in his 30s, sustained injuries to his arm and face and was airlifted to a local hospital. He was hiking alone without a bear deterrent when the incident occurred; authorities have since installed a cage to try and capture the animal. The attack comes amidst a significant increase in bear sightings in Okutama, with approximately 40 reported since April. Japan is experiencing a surge in dangerous bear encounters, linked to growing bear populations, climate-related food scarcity, and rural depopulation, driving animals closer to human areas. In fullRussian hiker becomes victim of rising bear attacks in Japan
