A brown bear responsible for the deaths of two individuals, including a 52-year-old newspaper delivery worker in Hokkaido's Fukushima Town, was shot dead after DNA tests confirmed its involvement in both incidents, authorities announced on Saturday.
The tragic event occurred in the early hours of July 12 when the newspaper delivery worker was attacked and killed by the bear in Fukushima Town, Hokkaido.
Following a report received by local police on July 18, the bear was located approximately 1 kilometer from the site of the attack. Hunters were then dispatched and successfully shot the animal.
DNA evidence confirms bear’s history
Further DNA testing established that this bear was not only responsible for the death of the delivery worker but had also fatally attacked an elderly woman in Fukushima Town four years prior.
The victim, identified as Kenju Sato, was assaulted in the Mitake area of Fukushima Town. The bear was subsequently spotted in the Tsukisaki residential area, roughly 1 kilometer away, the following morning.
Upon arrival, police and hunters shot the male bear, which measured 2 meters in length, weighed 218 kilograms, and was estimated to be between 8 and 9 years old.
The Hokkaido Research Organization conducted DNA analysis, which confirmed that the bear's DNA matched fur samples collected from Sato's body. This same bear was also linked to the death of a 77-year-old woman in the Shirafu area of Fukushima Town in July 2021.
Alert downgraded, but warnings remain
Following these events, Hokkaido authorities have reduced the "brown bear alert" in Fukushima Town to a "brown bear warning," which will remain in place until August 11.
Residents are still advised to exercise caution. One local expressed relief that the bear had been dealt with, eliminating concerns about its possible return.
Fukushima Town Mayor Kiyoharu Narumi commented that the resolution of this situation should bring some peace of mind to the residents. He noted that despite the shooting, other bear sightings have been reported in different areas, and the town will continue to implement precautionary measures, acknowledging that some risk still remains.
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Bear attack in Hokkaido claims life of newspaper delivery man
