Unknown internet users posted dozens of fabricated bear sightings on Aomori Prefecture's "Kuma Log" information system on 19 May 2026 [1].
The incident undermines a public safety tool designed to protect residents from actual wildlife threats. Because many people rely on the system for real-time alerts, fraudulent data can lead to unnecessary panic or the misallocation of emergency resources.
Between 30 and 35 bogus reports were submitted to the online platform [1]. Some of the entries included outlandish claims, such as the presence of 300 bears in a single area [1]. Another post alleged that a brown bear had started a fight on railway tracks [1].
Governor Miyashita and prefectural administrators later removed the entries. The disruption caused administrative delays as officials worked to verify the reports and clear the system of misinformation. The issue gained wider public attention after being reported on the television program "どうなの？" on 26 May 2026 [1].
“Because Aomori Prefecture is an area where bears actually appear and I think many people refer to [the system], it is an unforgivable thing if they are posting knowing it is a lie,” caster Yuki Yamazaki said [1].
Officials warned that individuals who intentionally post false information to mislead the public may be punishable under Japanese law. The fabrication of emergency-related data can be viewed as a serious offense, particularly when it forces government intervention.
“Due to the influence of this false information, the administration was also chased by the situation in responding,” caster Koki Ataka said [1].
“Between 30 and 35 bogus reports were submitted to the online platform”
This incident highlights the vulnerability of crowdsourced public safety systems to 'internet trolling' and coordinated misinformation. While digital logs allow for rapid reporting of wildlife sightings, the lack of stringent verification can turn a safety tool into a source of chaos, potentially desensitizing the public to genuine warnings in the future.
