Sweet-toothed bear lured out of store

For over two days, the bear had a solo party inside the food store, with a focus on the meat counter. Then he was lured out of the store and into a trap, tempted by honey-coated bananas.

» Published:

Sweet-toothed bear lured out of store
Photo: Bernd W'stneck/DPA/AP/TT

Share this article

The drama unfolded in Akita in northern Japan. A 47-year-old employee got the shock of his life when the bear appeared and attacked him, including in the face, as the man was preparing the store before opening. He managed to get to safety, called the police, and the store was evacuated.

It wasn't until two days later that the animal could be lured out through the back door, with the help of a trap baited with honey-soaked fruit, bread, and flakes, according to local media.

Once outside, the bear was anesthetized and then put down.

The man in question received stitches in his face and head, but did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

Bear attacks are a growing problem in Japan. In the past year, six people have been killed in such attacks, which is more than any other year since statistics began to be kept in 2006. And it's much worse for the bears – over 9,000 animals have been killed.

The cause of the problems is unclear. One theory is that bears are venturing closer to human settlements in a Japan with fewer and older people in rural areas. Another theory suggests that climate change is affecting the bears' access to food and winter hibernation.

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Gaza Residents Flee Amid Escalating Conflict and Overcrowded Camps

Gaza Residents Flee Amid Escalating Conflict and Overcrowded Camps

Explosion in Madrid Leaves One Dead and 25 Injured

Explosion in Madrid Leaves One Dead and 25 Injured

Ukrainian Drones Target Major Russian Oil Refinery Near St. Petersburg

Ukrainian Drones Target Major Russian Oil Refinery Near St. Petersburg

15 Dead in Truck Crash Involving Passenger Car in Southeastern Mexico

15 Dead in Truck Crash Involving Passenger Car in Southeastern Mexico

Nepal's First Female Leader Sushila Karki Promises Six-Month Term

Nepal's First Female Leader Sushila Karki Promises Six-Month Term

Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk in Arizona on September 21

Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk in Arizona on September 21

Love Motive Suspected in Charlie Kirk's Murder Investigation

Love Motive Suspected in Charlie Kirk's Murder Investigation

US Expert: Polarization No Longer Describes America's Divisions

US Expert: Polarization No Longer Describes America's Divisions

New Vaccine Offers Hope Against Chlamydia for Australia's Koalas

New Vaccine Offers Hope Against Chlamydia for Australia's Koalas

Zelenskyj Urges Allies to Strengthen Sanctions on Russian Oil

Zelenskyj Urges Allies to Strengthen Sanctions on Russian Oil

Sudan Government Rejects Peace Plan Excluding Warring Parties

Sudan Government Rejects Peace Plan Excluding Warring Parties

Rubio Affirms US Support for Israel Amid Qatar Attack Concerns

Rubio Affirms US Support for Israel Amid Qatar Attack Concerns

Venezuela Accuses USA of Harassing Fishermen in Economic Zone

Venezuela Accuses USA of Harassing Fishermen in Economic Zone

Mother Admits to Killing Children Found in Suitcases in New Zealand

Mother Admits to Killing Children Found in Suitcases in New Zealand

Russian Drone Enters Romanian Airspace Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russian Drone Enters Romanian Airspace Amid Ukraine Conflict

Ukrainian Drone Hits Major Russian Oil Refinery Causing Fire

Ukrainian Drone Hits Major Russian Oil Refinery Causing Fire

Poland Conducts Air Maneuver After Russian Airspace Violation

Poland Conducts Air Maneuver After Russian Airspace Violation

Taliban Seeks Normalized Relations with USA Amid Prisoner Exchange Talks

Taliban Seeks Normalized Relations with USA Amid Prisoner Exchange Talks

Gas Explosion in Madrid Injures at Least 25 People

Gas Explosion in Madrid Injures at Least 25 People

Is Africa Prepared for Its Rapidly Aging Population?

Is Africa Prepared for Its Rapidly Aging Population?