Bear Killed After Two-Day Supermarket Standoff in Japan

A wild bear that terrorized a supermarket in northeastern Japan was captured and killed after a two-day operation ending on December 2. The bear, which attacked an employee and scavenged through the store’s meat section, had eluded authorities for 48 hours before being caught in a trap.

The incident began early on November 30 in Akita prefecture when the bear entered the store as 20 employees were preparing for the day. A 47-year-old staff member was attacked, sustaining facial and head injuries. Authorities later confirmed his injuries were non-life-threatening, with recovery expected in a week.

The bear freely roamed the store, ransacking the meat section before disappearing. A search operation involving police and licensed hunters commenced immediately. Efforts included camera-equipped drones, but the bear remained elusive.

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On December 2, the bear triggered a trap baited with honey, apples, and bread in a rear storage area of the store. Measuring about one meter in length, the bear was killed shortly after its capture.

The supermarket, located near Tsuchizaki railway station, remained closed throughout the incident, avoiding potential harm to customers.

Japan has seen an increase in bear encounters due to habitat loss, declining food supplies, and climate change. Akita prefecture has called for stronger wildlife management strategies as bear sightings and attacks rise.