[VIDEO] Professional Snowboarder's Close Call on Ski Slopes of Hakuba, Japan, as Bear Attacks Surge Across Japan - SnowBrains

"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."

""When I turned there was a bear. I was surprised," Kuroki said to Japan Times in an interview, describing how the animal chased him briefly before breaking off and returning to the forest. "Had I fallen I would have been caught. Had I collided I might have been attacked. It was a close call.""

"In his blog, Kuroki stressed that the video should be understood in context, noting that Hakuba Village has been operating enhanced bear-safety measures since autumn. According to his account, every reported sighting triggers village-wide announcements over public loudspeakers, while a regularly updated "Bear Sighting Map" highlights high-risk areas. Authorities and the local hunting association have also been actively driving bears away using firecrackers and increased patrols."

Japan is experiencing its deadliest year on record for bear attacks, with 13 people killed and hundreds injured. A professional snowboarder in Hakuba captured a dramatic encounter when a bear ran up a ski slope during early-morning first tracks. The rider, Makoto Kuroki, said the bear chased him briefly before returning to the forest and that a fall or collision could have led to an attack. Hakuba Village has implemented enhanced bear-safety measures since autumn, including loudspeaker announcements and a regularly updated Bear Sighting Map. Authorities and the local hunting association have used firecrackers and increased patrols, and ski resorts tightened protocols after the sighting.

Read at SnowBrains