Hiker Killed by Bear in Hokkaido, DNA Test to Confirm Culprit

On July 15, 2025, a hiker in his 20s was killed in a bear attack in northern Japan's Hokkaido region. The victim was hiking with a companion on Mount Rausu when they were confronted by a large bear. The victim tried to fight off the animal but was pulled into the nearby woods, with his legs bleeding profusely.

The companion, who was also confronted by the bear at an altitude of 550 meters, managed to escape unharmed and reported the incident to authorities around 11:10 AM. A search and rescue mission was launched, and the victim's body was found the following day. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Authorities caught and killed a bear near the trail, and DNA analysis is now being conducted to determine if it was the same bear responsible for the attack. A wallet containing the victim's identification card was found near the site, and a torn, bloodied shirt believed to be his was also discovered, with nearby trees and soil dotted with traces of blood.

The incident comes amid a surge in bear attacks in Japan, with 219 people attacked by bears in the 12 months leading up to April 2024, resulting in six fatalities - the highest since statistics began nearly two decades ago. Factors such as climate change affecting bear food sources and hibernation times, as well as depopulation caused by an aging society, are contributing to the increase in bear sightings in populated areas.