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Bear awareness is answer to attacks - 20th July 2026

Japan's seen a surge in attacks by bears over the past 12 months, which have led to 13 deaths. In the year to March, 238 attacks seriously injured people, while there have already been 5 fatalities in the period April to June this year.

The recent attacks have given renewed relevance to the bear awareness education that children living in the northern region of Tohoku receive. These are bi-annual lessons delivered by bear experts, which provide the chance for children to get their hands on real bear fur, claws and even a bear's skull.

The majority of bears in Japan are Asian black bears. Although their natural habitat's the country's mountains, they're being impacted by climate change. This is driving bears into contact with humans as they search for food.

Tohoku schools implement strict safety procedures when two or more bear sightings occur in quick succession. Parents are required to drop children at school by car, and a special bus service delivers them home.

Pupils are also taught life-saving strategies to adopt if they encounter a bear, including not making eye contact and stepping away quietly and slowly without turning their back on the animal. Children are also encouraged to adopt other precautions such as wearing bear bells, keeping bear spray with them, and talking loudly when walking to school with friends.

School principal Hiroshi Aruga believes that humans can learn to exist side-by-side with bears, providing they follow guidance from bear experts.

Hiroshi Aruga: "Dr Takii well understands the behaviour of wild bears in this area, and she assures they are not aggressive. I am convinced it's safe to live with them as long as humans don't provoke them."