Overview
- Aomori Prefecture and Aomori City tied ropes across five hiking trailheads, posted signs, and stationed staff to block entry and warn the public.
- Authorities issued a 'Tsukinowaguma appearance special warning' asking people to refrain from entering the Hakkōda Mountains because of recent dangerous bear behavior.
- The action follows a June 24 incident in which a woman in her 70s was attacked while collecting bamboo shoots and a June 29 discovery of a body later identified as 63-year-old Masaharu Kudo with bite-like wounds and hemorrhagic shock listed as the cause of death.
- Officials say the trail closures are temporary and will remain in place until safety assessments and investigations into bear activity are completed.
- The incidents occurred inside the special protection zone of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, raising concerns about visitor safety, seasonal foraging in bear habitat, and how protected-area managers balance conservation with public access.