Classes save children from bears - 20th July 2026

The number of bear attacks in Japan is increasing. 13 people died and 238 were seriously injured in attacks last year. In the three months since April, bears have already killed 5 people.

The danger makes lessons in bear awareness more important. In northern Japan, experts regularly visit schools to give lessons about bears. Children get to touch a real bear's fur and claws. The teacher also shows them a real bear's skull.

The Asian black bear is the most common bear in Japan. They're typically found in the mountains, but they're entering residential areas more often. This is partly because of climate change, which is limiting their food supply.

Schools in Tohoku have special arrangements if a bear's seen in two locations. Children have to be driven to school by parents and taken home by special buses.

The experts tell children what to do if they see a bear. It's important not to make eye contact or to turn your back. You should stay quiet and slowly leave the area.

Children are told to wear bear bells and carry bear spray when they're outside. On the walk to school, talking loudly will keep bears away.

The school's headteacher says that knowledge will keep people safe. Hiroshi Aruga's sure that bears only attack when they're scared.

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."