Northern Japanese prefecture issues 1st bear warning after deadly attack

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture, issued a brown bear warning Saturday following a fatal attack on a newspaper deliveryman -- the first time an alert has been issued in the region, Kyodo News reported Sunday.

The warning, which applies to Fukushima in southwestern Hokkaido, will remain in effect until Aug. 11.

The 52-year-old victim was found dead in the bushes early Saturday, with injuries believed to have been caused by a bear.

Authorities said he was attacked near a house and dragged into the bushes, with extensive claw and bite marks on his body.

Despite an attempt by a witness to scare the bear off, it remained in the area. Police and hunters are searching for the animal, with plans to kill it.

It marks the first fatal bear attack in Hokkaido in 2025.

Authorities are urging residents and visitors to take precautions, particularly during nighttime outings, and to avoid leaving food waste outside.