Bears in Iwate Prefecture are becoming more active as autumn approaches, with over 40% of incidents involving humans occurring between September and October. This is a time when many people visit the mountains to collect mushrooms. Two men who have encountered bears recently shared their experiences and emphasized the importance of being prepared.
One man in his 60s recounted his encounter with a bear while climbing a mountain in southern Iwate Prefecture. He had no time to react or feel fear as the bear suddenly appeared from a bush just three meters away from him. The bear attacked him, leaving facial wounds in seven places. Despite fearing another attack, he managed to descend the mountain on his own and was transported to a hospital for surgery.
Since the incident, this man now wears a hat and face mask whenever he goes out to hide the scars on his face. He worries about being criticized for hiking despite the high chance of encountering bears.
Another man, Tadashi Saito, encountered a bear while collecting wild vegetables near his house one evening. Fortunately, he was carrying a metal stick with sharp double forks as protection against bears. When confronted by the bear, Saito pricked its throat with the stick by chance, causing it to flee.
The Tohoku Regional Forest Office has warned that there will be an increase in nuts from beech trees this autumn – an important food source for bears – which may lead them into residential areas less frequently but increase their activity overall as they prepare for hibernation. In light of this, prefectural police are urging people to carry equipment that makes noise such as bells and radios when working outdoors.
If someone encounters a bear, it is recommended that they quietly step back while maintaining eye contact. If attacked by a bear, using both arms to protect one’s head and lying face down can help minimize physical damage and avoid fatal wounds.