Bear-ly a drill: Man in fur terrifies Japanese town after real bears kill two; caution issued

A bear attacked a person in Tochigi Prefecture on Monday — but don’t worry, it wasn’t real. No one was harmed, because the “bear” was actually a man in costume, taking part in a safety drill conducted by local authorities and the hunters club, around 100 km north of Tokyo.

The mock scenario was designed to train residents on how to react during a real bear encounter. In the now-viral footage, the "bear" can be seen lunging at someone, as others quickly step in to demonstrate proper bear-response techniques. Safety instructions were given, and yes, the man in the furry costume gave it his best shot at looking threatening — while also adjusting his headgear between charges.


But beneath the theatrical chaos is a serious reason. The need for the drill became urgent after a 52-year-old newspaper deliveryman was killed by a brown bear in Fukushima on July 12. Just days later, a male brown bear was shot dead in the same area. DNA tests confirmed it was the same animal responsible not only for the recent fatality but also for the death of a woman in her 70s four years ago.

According to the New York Post, in response to the growing threat, Japan has issued a brown bear emergency alert, asking residents to avoid leaving food outside and stay cautious. Hunting laws have also been eased to allow emergency action against bears in residential areas.

Authorities have eased hunting restrictions, permitting shooting of bear in residential zones if they pose an immediate threat.

Authorities are urging the public to stay cautious and report bear sightings immediately. Hunters and local patrol teams have stepped up surveillance in affected areas, and bear drills are being conducted to train communities on how to respond during bear encounters.