Overview

• Police confirmed on Aug. 15 that the hiker died of extensive blood loss after his body was found on Rausu-dake.
• Three brown bears culled near the scene have been transported to a research facility for DNA analysis to determine if they were responsible for the attack.
• The prefectural government has maintained heightened patrols and public alerts under a bear advisory that keeps Rausu-dake trailheads closed until safety is confirmed.
• Search-and-rescue teams, including disaster helicopters, police officers and hunters, recovered torn clothing, a wallet and bloodstains before locating the victim’s body.
• The incident follows frequent sightings of bears that do not avoid humans and a cluster of recent deadly and serious attacks in Hokkaido.