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Japan Tightens Bear Controls After Record Year of Attacks

A New Zealand runner mauled near Myoko is recovering after three surgeries, underscoring how food shortages are pushing bears into towns.

Halloran has been in the local hospital since his attack, and hopes to be discharged by late October.
Halloran’s injuries required three surgeries, including a hip bone graft and the insertion of plates in his arm.
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Billy Halloran being transported to the hospital on October 4 after being attacked by a bear in Myoko, Japan.

Overview

  • Authorities announced tougher measures on Friday to control bear populations following a sharp rise in encounters this year.
  • Japan has recorded about 100 injuries and at least seven deaths since April, the highest totals since data collection began in 2006.
  • Runner Billy Halloran, 32, encountered two Asiatic black bears on a trail near Myoko, sustaining a shattered arm and punctured calf muscles.
  • He reached help after calling his wife and was taken to Joetsu Hospital, where he underwent three operations including a hip bone graft and insertion of metal plates.
  • Experts point to poor beech nut yields and climate-linked shifts driving bears into populated areas, with recent incidents including a supermarket intrusion and sightings near schools, prompting residents to use bells and loud music and consider bear spray.