Aomori - Bear sightings are increasing across Japan this summer as a shortage of food in the mountains drives the animals closer to areas where people live and visit, with authorities in Aomori Prefecture closing a lookout near Lake Towada after a foreign tourist was attacked.
Towada City in Aomori has recorded 13 reports of bear sightings in the past week alone, including incidents around Lake Towada, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic landscape.
The lake and surrounding area normally attract about 2 million visitors a year, but Aomori Prefecture decided to close a lookout indefinitely after a foreign male tourist walking near Lake Towada was attacked by a bear four days ago.
The attack has heightened anxiety among visitors to the area, particularly during the busy summer vacation period.
One tourist from Tokyo said he had prepared a bear bell and bear spray because of concerns about encountering an animal. "I was worried, so I brought a bear bell and repellent spray. It is a little frightening," he said.
Another visitor from Saitama said he bought a bear bell after hearing that bears had been appearing in the area. "There are bear warning signs in many places, and when you see them, it definitely makes you nervous," he said.
The growing number of sightings is also affecting businesses that depend on tourists.
A local taxi driver said he avoids taking visitors to places where bears are known to appear. "I don't guide people to places where there are bears, and I don't let them walk there," he said, adding that heavily visited locations such as the Oirase area were considered less concerning.
Souvenir shops around Lake Towada have also taken precautions to prevent bears from entering their premises. Signs written in English and Chinese have been posted asking customers to keep doors closed.
A souvenir shop employee said visitors now ask almost every day whether bears are likely to appear. "It would be a problem if the number of customers dropped sharply," the employee said.
Concern over bears has been spreading in other parts of Japan as sightings continue during the summer.
Authorities are urging caution because natural food supplies for bears in mountainous areas tend to become scarce during the season, increasing the possibility that the animals will enter residential areas and tourist destinations in search of food.
Source: FNN
