Canada issues significant travel advisory for Japan following deadly bear attacks 

November 14,2025

RED FM News Desk

The federal government is warning travelers to northern Japan to exercise caution following a reported rise in bear attacks. 

In an updated travel advisory issued Friday, Canadians were alerted to “an increased presence of bears” in northern Japan, including urban areas, resorts, and hiking trails, with some incidents resulting in casualties. 

The advisory advises: “If you plan on visiting northern Japan, always be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant; avoid walking alone in areas where bears have been sighted, and follow warnings or alerts issued by local authorities.” 

According to AFP, 13 people have been killed by bears across Japan since April. The Japanese government has called on former soldiers and police officers to help cull the animals. Bears have been seen in residential neighborhoods, near schools, and even inside supermarkets. 

The advisory specifically warns about bears in the Akita, Niigata, and Hokkaido regions. Authorities in Hokkaido recommend making noise while outdoors, traveling in groups during daylight, taking food and garbage home, avoiding bear droppings and tracks, and checking for recent bear sightings before entering an area. 

The Japanese military has been deployed to address the issue. The government estimates the bear population exceeds 54,000. During the 2023–2024 fiscal year, five people were killed by bears. Recently, Japanese media reported that a law was revised to allow police to use rifles to shoot bears. 

According to The Mainichi, each region will have two teams, each consisting of a commanding officer, a liaison to local authorities, and two snipers. Police have also evacuated residents and patrolled school routes in areas where bears were sighted. 

In addition to the culling teams, the government is building fences and taking other measures to prevent bears from entering populated areas. The increase in bear attacks has coincided with a rise in AI-generated images depicting bears causing destruction, such as attacking solar panels or snatching pets.