Key Facts
• July 13: Incident occurred near the summit of Mount Hakuun in Hokkaido.
• A hiker approached a bear and sprayed repellent at a 20-meter distance.
• Other hikers observed and recorded the dangerous act from a safe distance.
• The bear remained still, staring at the man during the encounter.
• Ministry of the Environment advises using bear spray only in sudden, close encounters.
• Official guidelines recommend calmly retreating and maintaining distance from bears.
• Observers retreated as the bear did not leave the area.
• The incident highlights the risks of ignoring safety protocols in bear habitats.
Summary
A hiker in Hokkaido’s Mount Hakuun area dangerously approached a bear on July 13, spraying repellent at a mere 20-meter distance. The act, captured by other hikers from a safe distance, defied safety guidelines issued by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. The bear remained stationary, staring at the man, while other hikers retreated as the bear lingered in the area. The Ministry emphasizes that bear spray should only be used in sudden, close encounters and urges individuals to calmly retreat and maintain distance upon spotting a bear. This incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols in bear-inhabited regions.
