Due to a higher than usual number of bear sightings, Miyagi Prefecture has issued a bear advisory.
Please take basic precautions before hiking, as they will be entering nature trails and mountainous areas.
There have been an increasing number of bear encounters outside of the mountains. We hope that you will enjoy your hiking with the utmost caution after reading “How to Avoid Bear Encounters” and “What to Do if You Encounter a Bear”.
To avoid bear encounters
- Be aware of information on bear sightings.
- Carry a bear bell or other device to alert bears to your presence.
- Be aware of places where bears may hide (poor visibility, narrow places such as streams, bushes, etc.) and places where there are new bear tracks, especially in areas where bears are likely to hide.
- Pay particular attention to areas where bears are likely to hide (poor visibility, narrow streams, bushes, etc.) or where there are new bear tracks.
- Carry bear spray in case of emergency.
If you encounter a bear
If you are far away from the bear (the bear does not notice you)
- Leave slowly and quietly.
If the bear is relatively close (50 meters or so)
- Wave your arms to let the bear know you are there, then back away slowly and quietly without taking your eyes off the bear.
- If you are in a forest, keep an obstacle between you and the bear in case it lunges.
If the distance is close (about 20 meters)
- Do not provoke the bear, as it may panic and attack suddenly.
- Do not run or yell, and back away slowly and quietly without taking your eyes off the bear.
- If you are in a forest, make sure there is an obstacle between you and the bear in case it lunges.
If a bear lunges at you (threatening lunge)
- If a bear lunges at you in a threatening manner, it will often stop in mid-step and retreat. So, calmly and slowly back up so that there is an obstacle between you and the bear.
If a bear lunges at you (a real attack)
- If a bear lunges at you, spray bear spray into its eyes and nose.
- If there is no bear spray, assume a defensive posture.