Key Facts
• On July 12, 2025, a man delivering newspapers in Fukushima, Hokkaido, was fatally attacked by a bear.
• DNA analysis confirmed the bear was the same male that killed a woman in 2021.
• The 2021 victim was a 77-year-old woman attacked while farming, 3 km from the 2025 site.
• On July 18, 2025, a 2-meter, 218-kg male bear was culled 800 meters from the recent attack site.
• Authorities suspect the culled bear is a different individual due to size differences.
• DNA testing is underway to confirm if the culled bear was involved in the attacks.
• Local residents remain anxious, fearing the attacking bear may still be at large.
Summary
A fatal bear attack occurred in Fukushima, Hokkaido, on July 12, 2025, claiming the life of a man delivering newspapers. DNA evidence linked the bear to a 2021 attack in the same town, where a 77-year-old woman was killed. The two attack sites were 3 km apart. On July 18, a large male bear was culled near the recent attack site, but its size suggests it may not be the same bear. DNA testing is ongoing to confirm its identity. Local residents express concern about the possibility of the attacking bear still being at large.
