On the afternoon of January 13th, around 1:05 PM, a 70-year-old member of the hunting association, Kenya Sato, was attacked by a bear while he was attempting to scare it away in the mountainous region of Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. He suffered substantial injuries, particularly to his face and head, and was transported to the hospital by a doctor helicopter while remaining conscious. This incident marks the first confirmed case of bear-related human injury in the prefecture this year.

Earlier that day, there had been numerous reports of bear sightings in the vicinity, prompting local authorities to remain on high alert. Sato and his team were engaged in efforts to deter the bear by using fireworks, a common method for scaring wildlife away. Unfortunately, in the process, the bear appeared unexpectedly and attacked him before fleeing the scene. This situation is particularly alarming given that there have been no reported human injuries due to bear encounters during the winter hibernation period since 2018.

The location of the attack is about 10 kilometers southwest of JR Hanamaki Station in a region that is inhabited, albeit covered in snow during this time of year. The bear's presence in residential areas raises concerns about wildlife management and safety, reflecting ongoing challenges provinces face in dealing with increased wildlife interactions, especially as they struggle to balance conservation with public safety.