A woman driving in Hokkaido’s mountains encountered two brown bears. One adult bear attacked her engine hood, causing dents and holes, then left with its cub.

Social Context

Japan’s Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law (1933) classifies brown bears as ‘special protection species’, requiring municipalities to install bear-warning signs and maintain forest-edge patrols. Hokkaido’s Bear Countermeasures Ordinance mandates motion-sensor alarms for vehicles parked in bear corridors.

Safety Tip

Drivers in bear habitats should keep windows closed, avoid stopping in dense vegetation, and carry air horns—bears consistently retreat from sudden loud noises above 110 dB.