A Japanese hiker’s watch revealed harrowing details about his fatal bear attack, including the animal returning to the body the next day, according to a newspaper report. The incident is part of a record year for bear attacks in Japan, with 13 deaths reported so far this year and over 200 injuries.
Hiker’s Watch Details Final Moments
The hiker’s GPS watch, which tracks routes and heart rate via satellite, was recovered after the August 14 attack in Hokkaido. Data showed the watch deviated from the hiking trail around 11 a.m., descending a forested slope.
The device repeatedly circled and passed over the same spot in a thick brush area. The man’s heart stopped beating approximately 100 to 130 yards from the trail, indicating the location of his death.
The watch remained stationary overnight but moved again around 9 a.m. the following morning, traveling several hundred yards through the brush. This suggests the brown bear returned and dragged the man’s body.
Three days later, on August 15, a bear with two cubs was observed dragging the body. All three animals were subsequently killed. Authorities asked the victim’s parents to identify the body by his face only, due to the extent of the injuries.
Bear Sightings Increase, Including at Ski Resort
A ski resort in Nagano region reported bear sightings, and a snowboarder described being chased by a bear on the piste. Kazuya Shirakawa of Hakuba47 Mountain Sports Park said patrols are checking for bear footprints daily after receiving two sighting reports on Sunday.
A snowboarder posted a video on Instagram showing a bear running towards him on a Nagano ski slope. He reported the bear “chased him” and their eyes met before the animal retreated.
Climate Change and Depopulation Contribute to Encounters
Experts believe bears are encroaching into towns due to food shortages, particularly acorns, potentially linked to climate change. Warmer weather is also impacting hibernation patterns. The animals, which can weigh up to 1,100 pounds, are capable of outrunning humans.
Japan has two types of bear: Asian black bears and brown bears, found primarily on Hokkaido. Thousands of bears are killed annually. Biologist Koji Yamazaki of Tokyo University of Agriculture noted that Japan’s aging and dwindling rural population is giving bears “a chance to expand their range.”
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