Overview
- Police in Shizukuishi, Iwate, said a bear entered an elderly couple's home and opened a refrigerator while the family slept, an incident they said occurred Monday night and left food scattered on the floor.
- Local authorities reported that at least four other households in Shizukuishi have seen bear intrusions since July 5, with some animals repeatedly returning to homes to raid pet food and pickles.
- The break-in comes as authorities document a spike in deadly maulings in northern Japan, with at least five people killed in Tohoku since April 1 and a record 13 fatal attacks nationwide last fiscal year, the environment ministry said.
- Scientists and officials link the surge to rising bear numbers, bears emerging from hibernation, variable availability of natural foods and a decline in rural human presence that leaves settlements more exposed.
- Police, hunters and municipal crews have stepped up trapping, temporary trail and school closures and public warnings, and local officials reopened Mt. Rausu hiking trails after a short emergency closure.