Key Facts
• July 4: An 81-year-old woman was fatally attacked by a bear in Kitakami City.
• July 11: A bear suspected of the attack was captured and killed by hunters.
• The attack occurred 1.7 km southeast of the woman’s home.
• The woman’s body showed claw-like injuries, confirming a bear attack.
• 12 property damage cases, including home and shed intrusions, were reported in the area.
• June 27: A bear was seen entering a high school and running through the grounds.
• July 8: A bear broke into a garage, damaging a shutter and eating stored rice.
• Over 1,500 bear sightings were reported in Iwate Prefecture from April to June 2025.
• 12 human injuries, including one fatality, have been reported this fiscal year.
• Authorities warn of continued bear sightings despite the recent capture.
Summary
In Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, a bear suspected of fatally attacking an 81-year-old woman on July 4 was captured and killed on July 11. The attack occurred near the woman’s home, with claw-like injuries confirming a bear attack. The area has seen 12 property damage cases, including a bear entering a high school and another breaking into a garage to eat stored rice. From April to June 2025, over 1,500 bear sightings were reported in Iwate, with 12 human injuries, including one fatality. Despite the recent capture, authorities warn of ongoing bear sightings and urge residents to remain vigilant.
