Bear Injures Two in Japanese Supermarket; Man Killed in Separate Attack

An agitated bear wandered through the aisles of a supermarket in central Japan on Tuesday evening, injuring two men and alarming shoppers. In a separate incident, another man was found dead in what authorities suspect was a bear attack, officials reported on Wednesday.

The supermarket in Numata, Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo, experienced an unprecedented bear encounter. The 1.4-metre (4.5-foot) adult bear remained inside for approximately four minutes, officials said.

“It entered from the main entrance and stayed inside for roughly four minutes,” said Hiroshi Horikawa, a management planning official at the grocery store chain.

The bear caused minor property damage and injuries:

• Glass on the fish counter was damaged as the bear almost climbed onto it.
• Fruit displays, including a pile of avocados, were knocked over.
• Two men were injured: one in his 70s and another in his 60s.

The store manager reported that 30 to 40 customers were inside during the incident. The bear became agitated as it struggled to find its way out.

Japan has seen a rise in bear sightings, even in residential areas, attributed to factors such as population decline, climate change, and encroachment into natural habitats.

Other recent bear-related incidents include:

• Iwaite Farmer (Tuesday): Scratched and bitten by a bear with a cub outside his home.
• Spanish Tourist (Sunday): Attacked at a bus stop in Shirakawa-go village, central Japan.

Separately, a man was found dead on a mountain in northern Iwate Prefecture, reportedly following a suspected bear attack, according to public broadcaster NHK, citing police sources.

These incidents highlight the increasing risk of human-bear conflicts in Japan, particularly in areas close to mountains and forests. Authorities continue to monitor wildlife activity and warn residents to exercise caution.

Experts note that encroachment on bear habitats and food scarcity are likely contributing to more frequent bear-human encounters. Citizens are advised to:

• Avoid leaving food outside
• Secure homes and vehicles
• Report bear sightings to local authorities promptly

As Japan faces more wildlife intrusions into urban and semi-urban areas, incidents like the Numata supermarket encounter are expected to become increasingly common.