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Japan has seen a marked increase in bear attacks this year — including seven fatal animal attacks, up from five bear deaths in 2024

There have also been about 100 bear attack-related injuries in Japan so far in 2025, up from the 80 reported in 2024

Experts believe the effects of climate changes and the bears shift towards more urban areas could explain the uptick in attacks

Bear attacks are on the rise in Japan.

Since April 2025, there have been seven fatal bear attacks in Japan — a record high for the country, Japan's environment ministry said. per BBC and NBC . Most fatalities have occurred in the northeastern region of Japan, plus the northern prefecture of the island of Hokkaido.

Japan's current bear attack count does not include a suspected incident involving a

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