Key Facts
• October 9, 2025, 5:00 AM: A driver reported dead bears on a highway.
• Location: Toyama Prefecture, Tateyama Town, Hokuriku Expressway.
• Police found one adult bear and one cub carcass on the northbound lane.
• Highway closure: Toyama to Tateyama interchanges for one hour for carcass removal.
• A separate bear cub was sighted nearby but went missing after the initial discovery.
• Over 30 personnel, including local officials and hunters, conducted a six-hour search.
• At 3:30 PM, the missing cub was found dead at the same location.
• Additional bear sightings and traces were reported in Toyama City and Tonami City.
• Police and local authorities urged residents to remain cautious and vigilant.
Summary
On October 9, 2025, three bear carcasses were discovered on the Hokuriku Expressway in Tateyama Town, Toyama Prefecture. A driver reported the incident early in the morning, prompting police to find an adult bear and a cub dead on the highway. The road was temporarily closed for an hour to remove the carcasses. Another cub was sighted nearby but went missing, leading to a six-hour search involving over 30 personnel. The missing cub was later found dead at the same location. Authorities also reported increased bear sightings and traces in Toyama City and Tonami City. Residents have been advised to exercise caution as police and local officials continue patrols and monitoring efforts.
