Overview
- The 69-year-old security guard suffered a minor leg injury after kicking the bear away at JR Numata Station in Gunma around 1 a.m. on Nov. 28, then reported the attack at a nearby police box.
- Police stepped up patrols around the station and urged residents to secure homes and avoid going out unless necessary.
- Japan has recorded about 220 bear attacks since April with 13 deaths, a new high reported by NHK and the environment ministry.
- Authorities have deployed Self-Defense Force units for trapping logistics and allowed specially trained police to use rifles due to a shortage of licensed hunters.
- Insurers are introducing bear-related coverage, including business policies for revenue losses from intrusions and enhanced travel protection citing changing wildlife risks.