It was an ordinary Friday evening in Numata City, Japan, until a most unwelcome shopper arrived. A large bear stormed into a local supermarket, turning a routine trip for groceries into a terrifying ordeal. This incident, on the evening of October 7th, highlights a growing problem of wildlife venturing into human spaces.
Around 7:30 PM, the bear, estimated to be about four and a half feet long, burst into the store located in the Ondera area of Numata City. It attacked two male customers, one inside the aisles and another in the parking lot. One man suffered bites and scratches to his arm and leg. The other had scratches on his arm and back. Both were injured, though thankfully not critically.
Panic quickly spread among the 30 to 40 shoppers inside the supermarket. The bear caused damage to the fresh fish and sushi display cases. After its destructive visit, the animal ran out of the store and disappeared into the night, leaving a community shaken.
The next morning, local police increased their presence across the area. Officers guarded school routes for elementary and junior high students. Patrol cars circled the community, keeping a close watch to prevent further incidents. Authorities were keen to ensure public safety.
Later that Saturday morning, around 10:30 AM, officials reported trapping a bear in another part of Numata City. However, staff from the city’s agriculture and forestry office could not confirm if this was the same animal that caused the supermarket havoc. The investigation continues, trying to link the two events.
Despite the frightening encounter, the supermarket quickly repaired the damaged displays. It courageously reopened for business on the same day, signaling a return to normalcy even as concerns lingered.
This unusual event points to a larger issue: hungry bears looking for food in human areas. Gunma Prefecture has issued a serious warning. This year, the harvest of acorns and other tree nuts, like those from beech and mizunara trees, has been terribly poor. These nuts, known locally as “donguri,” are vital food for bears. They rely on them to build up fat reserves before hibernating for winter.
Last month’s surveys painted a bleak picture. Beech nut production was “extremely low.” Mizunara and konara nuts were also found to be “very low.” Overall, it’s the worst harvest since 2020. With so little food in their natural habitats, bears are forced to venture into towns and cities, driven by hunger.
Gunma Prefecture has seen several bear attacks this year alone. In August, a man fishing in Tsumagoi Village was badly hurt by a bear. Just last month, another man gathering chestnuts in Minakami Town sustained minor injuries after a bear attack. These incidents underscore the growing tensions between humans and wildlife.
Officials in Gunma are urging residents to take precautions. They suggest removing unpicked fruits, such as persimmons, from backyard trees. Trimming back dense bushes also helps, as bears often use them for cover. The supermarket intrusion serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human life and the natural world, especially when nature’s pantry runs bare.
Source: NHK