Key Facts
• On July 12, 2025, a 52-year-old newspaper delivery worker was killed by a bear.
• The incident occurred in a residential area of Fukushima Town, Hokkaido, at 3:00 a.m.
• The victim, Kenki Sato, was dragged 30 meters into bushes and suffered severe injuries.
• The bear, estimated to be 1.5 meters tall, has not yet been located.
• Two days prior, a bear was sighted in the town, but its connection to the attack is unclear.
• The town has issued a “Brown Bear Warning” for one month starting July 12, 2025.
• Local police have intensified 24-hour patrols to ensure public safety.
• Mayor Kiyoharu Narumi emphasized efforts to locate and eliminate the bear.
Summary
A fatal bear attack occurred in Fukushima Town, Hokkaido, on July 12, 2025, claiming the life of 52-year-old newspaper delivery worker Kenki Sato. The bear, estimated to be 1.5 meters tall, dragged the victim into nearby bushes, inflicting fatal injuries. Despite intensified patrols and a month-long “Brown Bear Warning,” the bear remains at large. Authorities are working to locate and neutralize the animal, while urging residents to remain vigilant. A prior bear sighting in the area raises concerns, though its connection to the attack is uncertain.
