The video, filmed early on the morning of December 7 and widely shared online, shows a bear running up a ski slope toward a snowboarder enjoying first tracks. The rider later identified himself as Makoto Kuroki, a professional snowboarder who lives and works in Hakuba. In a detailed blog post, Kuroki said the encounter occurred on an untouched run during the resort's early hours, a time when human activity-and noise-is minimal.
The United States Embassy and Consulates in Japan published an advisory this week for travelers to northern Japan following a surge of bear sightings and attacks. The warning includes the popular winter destination of Sapporo in Hokkaido. "Bear sightings and attacks have increased in parts of Japan, especially in municipalities close to or adjacent to populated zones," the advisory detailed, adding "authorities will generally close areas like parks if a bear has been sighted in the area."
Unexpected encounters with bears are being reported almost daily in the lead up to hibernation season as the animals forage for food. The bears have been roaming near schools, train stations, supermarkets and even at a hot springs resort. Some of the encounters have resulted in injuries and even a number of deaths. The growing bear population's encroachment into residential areas is happening in a region with a rapidly aging and declining human population.
