The U.S. State Department warned Americans in Japan to stay alert after at least 13 people have been killed by bear attacks so far in 2025, with Akita and Iwate most affected.

Maruyama Park in Sapporo, near the U.S. Consulate, was closed for two weeks after bear sightings, and residential areas in Hokkaido and Akita have also reported bear activity.

Japanese troops were deployed to northern Akita on Nov. 8, carrying non-lethal equipment like bear spray, shields, and net launchers due to strict gun laws.

The rise in bear encounters is linked to a poor acorn harvest, pushing bears into populated areas in search of food, The Hill has reported.

Travelers are advised to avoid bear-prone areas, not walk alone, report sightings to authorities, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for safety updates.