Japan’s northeastern town of Osaki has become a hot spot for bear encounters this year. Known for its hot springs and traditional dolls, Osaki is now famous for its surge in bear sightings. Officials report 400 sightings in 2025, up from under 100 last year. Residents face danger as bears enter towns, causing injuries and even deaths. One woman was badly hurt picking vegetables outside her home. Another incident involved a bear stealing a dog. Nationwide, 13 people died and 197 attacks were reported from April to November. Experts blame poor acorn and beechnut harvests, forcing hungry bears to seek food in human areas. Japan’s black bear population has grown to around 44,000, while Hokkaido’s brown bears number about 12,000. Bears are delaying hibernation due to food scarcity. Authorities struggle with fewer licensed hunters and lost natural borders between forests and villages. Emergency measures in Osaki remain active beyond November as bears continue to threaten residents. People are advised to avoid early mornings and late nights outside and to remove fruit trees that attract bears. Akita prefecture, hit hardest, summoned self-defense forces to trap bears but cannot shoot them. Governor Kenta Suzuki said culling over 2,000 bears this year was necessary due to urban attacks, despite criticism. Locals hope food cycles will improve in 2026, reducing bear visits. But experts warn that without clear separation between humans and bears, the conflict will persist. Kazuhide Otomo, Osaki’s environment official, said, "It’s about striking a balance between protecting residents and preserving bears’ natural habitats. We have to make sure there is a clear division between the bear and human populations. But as long as bears continue to lose their fear of people, the problem won’t go away."