Spanish Tourist Injured in Latest Bear Attack in Japan

A Spanish tourist was injured in a bear attack in a Japanese village popular with visitors, local authorities confirmed on Monday, just days after a previous mauling left one woman dead and another missing.

Incident Details

The 44-year-old tourist was attacked from behind while walking to a bus stop on Sunday in Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its traditional large houses with thatched roofs, according to village official Kazunari Takashima.

• The tourist sustained a scratch on his right arm.
• He walked to the local tourist information office and requested an ambulance.
• He was treated in hospital and discharged the same day.

The bear involved is believed to have been a juvenile black bear, approximately one metre (3.3 feet) long, Takashima added.

Following the attack, village authorities closed local trails while officials and police patrolled the area.

“There are some tourists who take photos in off-limit areas. It’s dangerous. We urge people not to do that,” Takashima said.

Japan has seen an increase in bear sightings, even in residential areas, due to factors such as declining human populations and climate change.

Recent data highlights the growing threat:

In response to rising incidents, Japan eased gun regulations last month, making it easier for hunters to use rifles in built-up areas.

Last week, authorities reported that a woman in northern Japan died and another person went missing following a bear attack. These incidents underline the growing risks for residents and tourists alike, particularly in areas near wildlife habitats.

Officials continue to patrol tourist areas, close dangerous trails, and warn visitors against venturing into restricted zones, aiming to prevent further injuries and fatalities.

This reorganisation separates the story into incident details, precautions, broader context, statistics, and government response, making it clear, reader-friendly, and suitable for publication, while retaining all original information.