We are the ones intruding into the territory where wild animals live, so we hesitate to call them “dangerous creatures,” but for convenience, we will call them that here. This time, we will introduce what is generally said about preventive measures against Asiatic black bears, one of the “dangerous creatures” we receive the most inquiries about, and what to do if you encounter one.
Please note that Asiatic black bears inhabit the mountainous regions surrounding nearly the entire Michinoku Coastal Trail. Sightings have been reported of bears appearing in areas where people can observe them.
However, bears are not lying in wait to attack people but are living carefully to avoid people.
Most cases seem to involve people and bears approaching each other without noticing; unfortunately, they run into each other, and the startled bear attacks the person.
We hikers can walk while making the bear aware of our presence as a courtesy as those intruding into the natural. There is no need to be more afraid than necessary, but please always be aware that you are walking in a territory where bears live.
Bears that attack people will be targeted for extermination as dangerous animals. To avoid unfortunate situations for both parties, I believe that hikers should take proper action to avoid encounters with bears.
To prevent encounters with bears
■Avoid going out in dim light, such as early morning, dusk, or night. Bears in the mountains are diurnal, while bears near human settlements are nocturnal to avoid humans. Even diurnal bears seem to be active mainly in the early morning and dusk.
■Carry something that makes noise, such as a bell or radio, to let others know where you are. In addition to bear bells and radios, you can also periodically sound a whistle, tap your trekking poles, shout, or sing to let others know that you are walking around.
■If you find bear droppings or footprints, consider turning back.
If you encounter a bear
Extracted from the Ministry of the Environment’s reference materials
http://www.env.go.jp/…/docs/docs5-4a/kids/full.pdf…
■If you see a bear in the distance (around 50m)
・Stay calm and leave the area.
・Do not shout, run away, or do anything that might scare the bear.
■If you notice a bear nearby (around 20m)
・Stay calm and leave the area slowly.
・Do not turn your back on the bear, but slowly back away while looking at it.
If you turn your back and run away, it will instinctively chase you.
■If you encounter a bear nearby
・The bear may be startled by a sudden movement of a panicked person and attack.
Stay calm, do not panic, and wait until the bear leaves before leaving the area.
<Intimidation Charge>
In the case of a threatening charge, the bear will likely stop mid-charge and back away. Stay calm and back away slowly (while looking at it), placing an obstacle between you and the bear.
<The real attack>
・If you are suddenly attacked,
To prevent serious injury, spray bear spray into the eyes or nose while protecting your face, neck, and head with both arms or your backpack.
I don’t know if I would be able to remain calm and act without panicking if I encountered a bear up close, but it seems important not to provoke it.
In Miyako City, Kamaishi City, and Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture, bears have been spotted on nature trails and on paved roads near residential areas. Unfortunately, there have been cases of human casualties.
Fortunately, there have been no cases of bears attacking hikers on the Michinoku Coastal Trail.
(*In July 2023, an unfortunate accident occurred in which a tourist was attacked by a bear on the trail route near the Jodogahama Visitor Center.)
However, there have been several reports of bear sightings on the trail route.
We hope that you will enjoy hiking on the Michinoku Coastal Trail while taking sufficient actions and efforts to avoid encountering bears.
“By the way, it is said that the Asiatic black bears that live on the Sanriku Coast do not hibernate, so please be careful even in winter.”
