Bear attacks on the rise in Japan: How to safely hike our forests and mountains
Staying safe in bear habitats
When entering areas where bears live, it is important to make your presence known through scent or sound so that bears can avoid you. The Asiatic Black Bear (tsukinowaguma ツキノワグマ) doesn’t prey on humans for food. It mainly feeds on fruits, nuts, insects and little mammals. The black bear will avoid human presence as much as possible. That being said, when meeting a human by surprise, the bear is likely to attack by instinct.
Going in a group, using bear bells, and other measures can help achieve this. Depending on the situation and location, you can adjust which noise-making tools to use. Avoid areas where bears have been recently sighted.
Letting bears know you are there
In areas with few people : Using a Bear Bell
On less-traveled routes or side trails, where human presence is minimal, using a bear bell is recommended. This is especially important for solo hikers. Attach the bell to your backpack or belt so that it rings with your movement. The sound and tone vary depending on the shape and material of the bell, so carrying different types can cover a wider range of situations. There are also bells with a mute function, useful when traveling on trains or buses.
Buy a bear bell
Buy a bear bell on Amazon.co.jp; in a Montbell shop or in one of our “home centers” (DIY stores) in Tsuruoka:
-Close to Tsuruoka station : Komeri Tsuruoka, Komeri Haguro
-Close to Shonai Kankobussankan bus station: Musashi
Using a Bear Horn – 130dB
Using a spray-type whistle can produce a sound louder than a car horn—130 decibels, audible up to 805 meters. When entering bear habitats, use it periodically to alert bears from a distance and prevent encounters. It can also be used as an emergency whistle in case of accidents.
Buy a bear horn in a Montbell shop (around 3400 yen)
https://webshop.montbell.jp/goods/disp.php?product_id=1899177
When Moving Slowly (e.g., foraging for wild plants) : Using the Radio or music on your smartphone
If your movements are minimal, such as during foraging, and bear bells may not make enough noise, consider playing a radio or making other forms of audible presence.
How to react if you encounter a bear
From a distance (~50 meters)
If you notice a bear far away, remain calm and quietly leave the area. Making gentle noise to signal your presence while slowly retreating can be effective. Avoid sudden movements or loud shouts, as they may startle the bear. Be especially cautious around mother bears, which are more likely to be aggressive.
- Retreat slowly and quietly while keeping your eyes on the bear.
- Do not run, turn your back, make loud noises, or leave your belongings behind.
Closer distance (~20 meters)
Back away slowly and quietly, keeping obstacles between you and the bear. Do not run or shout. If the bear charges, remember that many charges are bluff charges, and the bear may stop and back off on its own. Stay calm and respond cautiously.
At very close range, or if the bear approaches
- Use bear spray without hesitation.
Buy a bear spray in a Montbell shop (around 3400 yen)
Buy bear spray on Amazon
Take advantage of any hesitation by the bear to retreat to a safe location.
At very close range, the risk of direct attacks or aggressive reactions is high. While there is no guaranteed way to avoid an attack, carrying bear spray and using it can significantly increase your chance of deterring the bear.
- Move upwind whenever possible. Spray effectiveness is reduced if you are farther from the bear than the spray range. Once you have sprayed the bear, run as fast as possible to escape to a safe place (car, lodge, restaurant, etc)
If you spot a bear
Please let us know by contacting us through our contact form and precise:
Where, when, and how many bears you have spot. Please specify if you are safe or if you were attacked.
Thank you, and please stay safe on our hiking trails.
