Japanese authorities are warning travelers to remain vigilant as brown bears appear near residential areas and tourist sites during the Golden Week holidays [1].

These warnings come as bears emerge from hibernation and expand their search for food, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters with humans in populated areas [1, 2].

Sightings and evidence of bear activity have been reported across various regions, including Toyama, Nagano, Iwate, and Hokkaido [1, 2, 3, 4]. In Toyama Prefecture, bear appearances and traces were first confirmed in April 2024 [1]. Earlier, in March 2024, Iwate Prefecture issued bear appearance warnings [2].

In Hokkaido, sightings have reached urban centers. A bear was spotted in the Chuo Ward of Sapporo on April 14, 2024 [4]. In response, a representative for Sapporo said the city conducted its first trace survey of the current fiscal year [4].

Local experts and residents are monitoring the situation closely. One expert said a "bad pattern" is expected regarding the animals' behavior [1]. The risk is heightened for tourists visiting rural or mountainous areas where bears are more likely to roam during the spring season [1, 2].

Experienced hunters are also on alert. One veteran hunter said there is a "scent" in the air, signaling the presence of the animals [3]. Local governments continue to urge the public to avoid leaving food waste outdoors, and to stay alert in forested areas to prevent conflicts between humans and wildlife [1, 4].

“"bad pattern is expected"”

The convergence of the Golden Week travel peak and the natural emergence of bears from hibernation creates a high-risk window for human-wildlife conflict. The presence of bears in urban centers like Sapporo suggests a shrinking buffer between wildlife habitats and human settlements, requiring more aggressive municipal monitoring and public education to ensure tourist safety.