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Security Guard Mauled by Bear in Train-Station Restroom as Japan Sees Spike in Fatal Attacks

What happened: A 69-year-old security guard in Numata City was attacked by a bear inside a train-station restroom on Nov. 28 but fought off the animal and reported the incident at 1:20 a.m.

Injuries & response: He suffered minor leg injuries. Police have increased patrols and urged residents to lock windows and doors and avoid unnecessary outings.

Context: Japan has seen a rise in bear incidents this year — seven fatal attacks and about 100 injuries since April 2025 — which experts link to environmental changes and bears moving into urban areas.

11:23 PM, 11/28/2025Society
Security Guard Mauled by Bear in Train-Station Restroom as Japan Sees Spike in Fatal Attacks

A 69-year-old security guard was attacked by a bear inside a public restroom near a train station north of Tokyo in the early hours of Nov. 28. The man was leaving the facility when he noticed the animal peering inside; he was knocked down but managed to fend it off by kicking it until the bear fled.

After the encounter, the guard ran to a nearby police box and reported the incident at about 1:20 a.m. He sustained minor injuries to his right leg and received treatment. Local police have increased patrols around the station and urged residents to secure windows and doors and to go outside only when necessary.

Location and local response

The station, located in Numata City, sits in a neighborhood of restaurants and homes. Officials say the heightened patrols and public alerts are intended to reassure the community and reduce the likelihood of further encounters between residents and wildlife.

National trend

Officials have reported a worrying rise in bear incidents across Japan this year. Since April 2025 there have been seven fatal bear attacks — a record increase compared with five deaths in 2024 — and roughly 100 reported injuries so far in 2025, up from around 80 the previous year. Most fatalities have occurred in the northeastern region and on Hokkaido, the country’s northernmost island.

Experts point to multiple factors that may be pushing bears into populated areas, including climate-driven changes in food availability and broader movement of wildlife into suburbs and towns.

Authorities say they will continue monitoring the situation, maintaining patrols, and issuing public safety guidance as they work to prevent further human-wildlife conflicts.

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