Japan deploys solar‑powered Monster Wolf robot to deter rising bear attacks

Japan’s increasing bear population has led to a surge in attacks and sightings, prompting the adoption of a robotic deterrent known as Monster Wolf. Developed by Hokkaido‑based Ohta Seiki, the device resembles a wolf head with rotating motion, artificial fur, red LED eyes, and solar‑powered batteries. Equipped with infrared motion sensors, it emits loud threatening sounds—up to 50 different cues audible from a kilometre away—to scare bears, boars and other wildlife away from farms, residential areas, golf courses, tourist sites and construction zones.

Demand for the handcrafted units has risen sharply; in 2026 the company received about 50 orders, a volume normally sold in a full year, with customers waiting two to three months for delivery. Prices start around $4,000 (≈514,000 yen). The robot’s effectiveness has been reported in security‑camera footage showing animals retreating after activation. The measure comes as bear‑related deaths rose to 13 in 2025, double the previous record, with over 50,000 sightings reported, prompting authorities to increase captures and sacrifices of the animals.