Russian Hiker Seriously Injured in Rare Bear Attack on Popular Tokyo Trail

At approximately 12:10 PM on the 17th, a male hiker was attacked by a bear on Mt. Mutsuishi (elevation 1,479 meters) in Okutama, Tokyo. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the victim is a Russian national in his 30s who sustained serious injuries, including deep lacerations and bleeding from his head and arms. He was emergency airlifted to a hospital by a fire department helicopter.

The incident took place on the "Ishione" ridge, a popular hiking route easily accessible from Okutama Station. The man reportedly encountered the bear suddenly while climbing. The bear fled the scene immediately after the attack, and its specific characteristics, such as size, remain unknown. While the area was known as a wildlife habitat with previous reports of animal droppings, the fact that a serious attack occurred during the day on a well-traveled path has sent shockwaves through the hiking community.

In response to the gravity of the situation, Okutama Town and the Okutama Visitor Center announced that certain sections of the trail from Okutama Station to Mt. Mutsuishi, including the area around Mt. Sanokido, will be closed starting Monday, May 18, until further notice. Hikers planning to head toward Mt. Mutsuishi are being urged to use alternative routes toward Lake Okutama, such as the Toonokubo or Kayanoki Ridge trails.

While bear sightings are not uncommon in the Okutama area, actual attacks resulting in serious injury are rare. On social media, users have expressed heightened concern, with many stating that bear bells and deterrent sprays are now essential even on popular mountains. Authorities are urging everyone entering the mountains to take thorough precautions, such as carrying noise-making devices, to avoid unexpected encounters.

The context

Okutama is a mountainous region located at the westernmost edge of Tokyo Metropolis, about two hours by train from the city center. It is a major hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from beginner-friendly day hikes to more challenging ridges. The Asian black bear is native to this region, but they are generally shy and avoid human contact. However, recent years have seen an increase in bear sightings across Japan as their natural habitats shift and human activity patterns change. This specific attack is particularly notable because it occurred on one of the most popular trails leading from a major train station during peak hiking hours.