News summary produced by Claude AI
Officials in Shizukuishi, a town in Iwate prefecture, are conducting a manhunt for a bear that has allegedly been responsible for approximately 14 break-ins over the past fortnight. The animal drew attention when it entered the home of an 87-year-old resident and opened his refrigerator, scattering food across the kitchen floor.
The suspected bear has targeted at least five locations across the town, with authorities noting that the repeat nature of the intrusions suggests a single animal may be responsible. One farm in the area has been struck four times in recent weeks, with the bear accessing milk-based cattle feed stored on the property. Security footage captured the animal attempting to force open a farmhouse sliding door during nighttime hours before retreating when confronted by the farmer. Another incident involved a resident discovering the bear inside his home near where his elderly father was sleeping, leading to a physical struggle at the door lasting approximately 30 seconds as the bear stood upright and pushed against the barrier.
In response to the intrusions, local authorities have deployed multiple countermeasures including box traps, electric fencing around repeatedly targeted properties, and patrols to alert residents. One farmer has begun applying a homemade deterrent containing Japanese mustard around entry points. Bear specialists have noted the unusual behavior, with authorities expressing concern about the animal’s apparent loss of fear regarding human interaction and its apparent preference for human food sources.
Experiences indicate the bear has developed specific preferences, including confectionery and sweets. One residence was targeted five times, with the animal consuming cookies, sugar, and karinto. A local confectionery shop was also broken into, resulting in the loss of doughnuts from its refrigerator.
The incidents occur against a broader trend in Japan, where bear-related attacks and fatalities have reached record levels in recent years. Specialists attribute the uptick to declining rural populations, which may have reduced the perceived threat bears face when entering populated areas and eroded their natural wariness of humans.