Japan deploys military after record bear attacks across country
In late October, Akita Gov. Norihisa Satake formally requested Self-Defense Forces (SDF) assistance after repeated maulings overwhelmed local authorities. The military’s role is strictly noncombat, focusing on logistics such as helping to transport carcasses, set traps and patrol forested zones where bears have been sighted.
Defense officials have clarified that only licensed hunters, not soldiers, are authorized to shoot bears posing an immediate threat.
Japan’s hunter population has been shrinking for years, with roughly 60% of licensed hunters now over age 60, according to Reuters. Many of the traditional matagi bear trackers from northern Japan have retired, leaving rural areas with fewer people to respond to emergencies. To fill the gap, local governments in Akita, Niigata and Hokkaido have increased subsidies, training stipends, and per-bear bounties to attract new recruits.
A warning sign is seen at the closed walking trail to the observatory in the Shirakawago district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on Oct. 7, 2025 in Hida, Gifu Prefecture of Japan. A Spanish tourist was injured after being attacked by a wild bear in the historical area of Shirakawago here, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional steep-roofed farmhouses. (VCG via Getty Images)
Man dies in likely bear attack at Arkansas campsite days after sending photos of animal to family. If confirmed, it would be the second fatal bear attack in the state within a month
A Missouri man was found dead from a likely bear attack this week, just two days after he sent photos to his family of a bear at his campsite in Arkansas, according to officials.
Police found the 60-year-old man’s body several hundred yards from his campsite near Mt. Judea, Arkansas, on Thursday. The area showed signs of a struggle and had drag marks away from the camp.
The man’s son had asked for a welfare check because his dad hadn’t touched base with him for a couple of days since sending the photos.
JANE GOODALL, PIONEER WHO DISCOVERED CHIMPANZEES USES TOOLS, DEAD AT 91 DURING US TOUR
His body has “extensive” injuries “consistent with those expected from a large carnivore attack,” the Newton County Sheriff’s Department said in a release.
Search efforts were still underway on Saturday to find the bear, which appeared to be a young male, according to the photos sent by the man. Officials said they weren’t sure the bear in the photos was the one that attacked.
JANE GOODALL, PIONEER WHO DISCOVERED CHIMPANZEES USES TOOLS, DEAD AT 91 DURING US TOUR
A Missouri man was found dead from a likely bear attack just two days after he sent photos to his family of a bear (not pictured) at his campsite in Arkansas, according to officials. (Getty Images)
“Until the Arkansas Crime Lab completes the autopsy, we can’t 100% say it was a bear, but everything strongly indicates it,” Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said in a statement. “We are attempting to find the bear and dispose of it so the Game and Fish Commission can test it for anything that may have led to the encounter.”
He added, “We know without a doubt that a bear was in camp with our victim and the injuries absolutely are consistent with a bear attack. This is a highly unusual case,” he also said.
“We are very early in the investigation and search and will update as we can. If you are in the area, just be aware and use caution, especially with children. History tells us that once a bear becomes predatory, it often continues those behaviors.”
Sam’s Throne Campground has been temporarily closed following the attack. (Google Maps)
The campground, known as Sam’s Throne, has been temporarily closed to the public while the search for the bear continues. Wheeler warned people to be vigilant while enjoying the outdoors: Keep food away from where you sleep, don’t approach bears even if they’re small and carry bear spray or some other way to defend yourself.
A 72-year-old Arkansas man was mauled by a black bear in early September. He later died of his injuries.
A Missouri man was found dead from a likely bear attack at his campsite in Arkansas. (iStock)
Before that, the last fatal bear attack in Arkansas was in 1892, according to the Arkansas Times.
“I don’t even know how to put it into words, to tell you the truth. These things just don’t happen,” Keith Stephens, the chief of communications for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, told the newspaper. “It just seems so bizarre. It’s not even in my realm of comprehension. I’m really in shock today. Actually, when I was told about it, I thought they were kidding me just to give me a hard time from the last one. It’s obviously not a joking matter, but it just didn’t seem real.”
The Tahoe Bear 