On the morning of December 8, around 11 a.m., a 69-year-old male employee from Morioka fell into a snow cave while climbing on the 5th station of Mt. Iwate in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture. The man was attempting to return to the trail with a female acquaintance when he accidentally stumbled into a cave that contained a bear, which bit him on the calf causing light injuries. Fortunately, he managed to escape the hole and was able to climb out without serious harm.

After the man extricated himself from the snow cave, the bear attempted to attack the woman accompanying him. However, both climbers defended themselves by using trekking poles to fend off the bear, which eventually retreated back into the forest. Thankfully, the woman suffered no injuries in this encounter. This incident highlights the potential risks associated with mountain climbing in areas where wild animals are present, especially during winter months when bears may still be active.

The encounter serves as a reminder for outdoor enthusiasts to be cautious in bear-prone areas and to be prepared for wildlife encounters, particularly as they navigate snowy trails. Authorities may issue warnings or advisories in the area to protect climbers and hikers from similar incidents in the future, particularly with the awareness of the bear's presence in the area during this time of year.