Bear sightings reported in Yamaguchi and Hokkaido, Japan

A bear roughly 1.5 m long was seen crossing a road on National Route 315 in the Atoja area of Yamaguchi City on the afternoon of 12 June. Police increased patrols and warned nearby residents. Later that evening, a 110‑call reported a bear‑like animal near a house in the Yoshida district of Shimonoseki, where the animal fled after a resident blew a whistle.

On 13 June, a resident walking near Kin‑taro Pond in Midori‑ga‑oka Park, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido, spotted the upper body of a bear. Police responded, confirmed the sighting with city officials, and issued a “bear alert” for the area, urging caution for park users and local residents. Both prefectures have heightened vigilance and public advisories following the incidents.