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Two Injured in Akita Bear Attacks as Sapporo Reports Nighttime Sightings

Authorities escalate patrols with public warnings to reduce encounters during the pre‑winter surge.

Overview

  • Around 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 3, a 65-year-old man in Akita City was attacked outside his home after encountering two bears believed to be a mother and cub, according to Akita Rinko Police.
  • About 7 a.m. in Daisen’s Jinguji area, a man in his 70s was mauled while walking and sustained facial injuries, Daisen Police said.
  • On Nov. 2 at about 10:35 p.m., drivers reported a brown bear twice roughly 20 minutes apart in Sapporo’s Chuo‑ku Miyano‑mori neighborhood, prompting a 110 call.
  • Sapporo West Police say the sightings may involve the same animal and are patrolling the area while urging residents to use caution.
  • Akita Prefecture is posting bear sightings and damage updates on its Kumadas website and advising residents to stay alert, as reports note encounters often rise in autumn before hibernation.