<p>Japan is witnessing a dramatic increase in bear attacks as experts sound the alarm about rising encounters between bears and humans,&nbsp;as the animals struggle to find food in their natural habitats.</p>

<p>The number of bear-related incidents has reached an unprecedented level, with at least 158 injuries and two fatalities since April, equalling the record set in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why&nbsp;are the attacks happening?</strong></h2>

<p>These attacks, according to the environment ministry, are concentrated in the northern part of Honshu, Japan's largest island.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>This surge in bear encounters is attributed to a combination of factors: a bumper crop of acorns and beechnuts last year, which led to the birth of larger bear cubs. That, along with a shortage of dietary staples this year, has forced bears to venture into populated areas for food before hibernation.</p>

<p>In the past, bear encounters were primarily related to foragers and hikers in the forests. However, as per the Guardian, the once-distinct boundaries between bear habitats and depopulated villages have blurred, resulting in more frequent human encounters with bears in urban areas.</p>

<h2><strong>Bear attacks</strong></h2>

<p>Reports from Japan's Kyodo news agency reveal that 15 of Japan's 47 prefectures reported bear attacks in the six months leading up to September. The highest number of incidents occurred in Akita, followed by Iwate and Fukushima.</p>

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<p>Iwate authorities noted that over half of the reported attacks occurred near people's homes, and around a fifth of the victims had taken preventive measures, like carrying bear-deterring bells, yet were still targeted.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, a bear attacked six people in a single day in an urban area of Akita, including an elderly woman and a schoolgirl waiting at a bus stop. Three of these attacks occurred in a neighbourhood near shops, residences, and a hospital.</p>

<h2><strong>Officials issue warning</strong></h2>

<p>In light of the extraordinary surge in bear attacks, the nation's environment ministry has urged the public to dispose of household food waste properly, as it can attract bears, and to keep doors closed. Farmers have also been advised not to leave fallen fruit on the ground.</p>

<p>Furthermore,&nbsp;the country's public broadcaster&nbsp;NHK in a recently&nbsp;aired&nbsp;programme advised&nbsp;people to carry&nbsp;bear repellant spray and avoid making eye contact or attempting to flee from the animal if encountering a bear.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Japan is witnessing a dramatic increase in bear attacks as experts sound the alarm about rising encounters between bears and humans, as the animals struggle to find food in their natural habitats.

Japan is witnessing a dramatic increase in bear attacks as experts sound the alarm about rising encounters between bears and humans, as the animals struggle to find food in their natural habitats. The number of bear-related incidents has reached an unprecedented level, with at least 158 injuries and two fatalities since April, equalling the record set in 2020. Why are the attacks happening? These attacks, according to the environment ministry, are concentrated in the northern part of Honshu, Japan's largest island. Also read | Elon Musk announces new rule over revenue share arrangement with X users This surge in bear encounters is attributed to a combination of factors: a bumper crop of acorns and beechnuts last year, which led to the birth of larger bear cubs. That, along with a shortage of dietary staples this year, has forced bears to venture into populated areas for food before hibernation. In the past, bear encounters were primarily related to foragers and hikers in the forests. However, as per the Guardian, the once-distinct boundaries between bear habitats and depopulated villages have blurred, resulting in more frequent human encounters with bears in urban areas. Bear attacks Reports from Japan's Kyodo news agency reveal that 15 of Japan's 47 prefectures reported bear attacks in the six months leading up to September. The highest number of incidents occurred in Akita, followed by Iwate and Fukushima. Also read | Australia halts trade negotiations with EU. Here's why Iwate authorities noted that over half of the reported attacks occurred near people's homes, and around a fifth of the victims had taken preventive measures, like carrying bear-deterring bells, yet were still targeted. Earlier this month, a bear attacked six people in a single day in an urban area of Akita, including an elderly woman and a schoolgirl waiting at a bus stop. Three of these attacks occurred in a neighbourhood near shops, residences, and a hospital. Officials issue warning In light of the extraordinary surge in bear attacks, the nation's environment ministry has urged the public to dispose of household food waste properly, as it can attract bears, and to keep doors closed. Farmers have also been advised not to leave fallen fruit on the ground. Furthermore, the country's public broadcaster NHK in a recently aired programme advised people to carry bear repellant spray and avoid making eye contact or attempting to flee from the animal if encountering a bear. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan grapples with unprecedented bear attacks amidst food shortages. Experts issue urgent warning

<p>A security guard at a luxury hotel of Colorado, US, was left stunned Monday night (Oct 23) after a bear hidden in the kitchen suddenly launched itself at him.</p>

<p>As soon as the man saw the bear, he ran for his life, fortunately slipping away from the large clutches of the bear with some minor scratches.</p>

<p>The guard was admitted to the hospital but was released shortly.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>CCTC footage showed the bear strolling in the kitchen of the five-star hotel, just moments before a guard entered the scene to investigate.</p>

<p>Seconds later, the man found himself savaged under the paws of the beast.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video below:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Colorado Parks and Wildlife released a video of the moment a security guard was attacked by a bear in a kitchen in Aspen. The security guard is okay and was released from the hospital. The bear was captured and euthanized. <a href="https://t.co/p8ZTwwK2R7">pic.twitter.com/p8ZTwwK2R7</a></p>
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABC7/status/1717623459352633847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The guard ran in the opposite direction and dialled 911 immediately.</p>

<h2><strong>Manhunt for the bear</strong></h2>

<p>Following the incident, a large-scale manhunt, involving wildlife officers as well as Police Department members, was launched. However, it was only on Wednesday that the beast was tracked down and tranquilised and later euthanised.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Human dressed as sun bear?</strong></p>

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<p>It was identified as the same animal that attacked the security guard due to a distinctive white patch on its chest, according to CPW.</p>

<p>According to wildlife officials, it was not clear what attracted the animal to the kitchen as it was “clean and did not have food lying around.”</p>

<h2><strong>Statement from police</strong></h2>

<p>Matt Yamashita, area wildlife manager, said: "During our initial investigation we gathered witness statements along with photos and videos from hotel security cameras.”</p>

<p>"All played an important part in our investigation. Using the footage provided by the hotel, we were able to confirm the aggressive behaviour of the bear and identify unique physical characteristics of the bear that assisted in the proper identification of the offending bear," the officer added.</p>

<p>Experts estimate Colorado has between 17,000 and 20,000 bears and the population is "stable and growing".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A security guard at a luxury hotel of Colorado, US, was left stunned Monday night (Oct 23) after a bear hidden in the kitchen suddenly launched itself at him. As soon as the man saw the bear, he ran for his life, fortunately slipping away from the large clutches of the bear with some minor scratches.

A security guard at a luxury hotel of Colorado, US, was left stunned Monday night (Oct 23) after a bear hidden in the kitchen suddenly launched itself at him. As soon as the man saw the bear, he ran for his life, fortunately slipping away from the large clutches of the bear with some minor scratches. The guard was admitted to the hospital but was released shortly. What happened? CCTC footage showed the bear strolling in the kitchen of the five-star hotel, just moments before a guard entered the scene to investigate. Seconds later, the man found himself savaged under the paws of the beast. Watch the video below: Colorado Parks and Wildlife released a video of the moment a security guard was attacked by a bear in a kitchen in Aspen. The security guard is okay and was released from the hospital. The bear was captured and euthanized. pic.twitter.com/p8ZTwwK2R7 — ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) October 26, 2023 × The guard ran in the opposite direction and dialled 911 immediately. Manhunt for the bear Following the incident, a large-scale manhunt, involving wildlife officers as well as Police Department members, was launched. However, it was only on Wednesday that the beast was tracked down and tranquilised and later euthanised. Watch: Human dressed as sun bear? × It was identified as the same animal that attacked the security guard due to a distinctive white patch on its chest, according to CPW. According to wildlife officials, it was not clear what attracted the animal to the kitchen as it was “clean and did not have food lying around.” Statement from police Matt Yamashita, area wildlife manager, said: "During our initial investigation we gathered witness statements along with photos and videos from hotel security cameras.” "All played an important part in our investigation. Using the footage provided by the hotel, we were able to confirm the aggressive behaviour of the bear and identify unique physical characteristics of the bear that assisted in the proper identification of the offending bear," the officer added. Experts estimate Colorado has between 17,000 and 20,000 bears and the population is "stable and growing". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

VIDEO: Guard savaged by massive bear in hotel’s kitchen, escapes with minor injuries

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Japan grapples with unprecedented bear attacks amidst food shortages. Experts issue urgent warning

VIDEO: Guard savaged by massive bear in hotel’s kitchen, escapes with minor injuries