An unusual incident occurred on Mount Iwakami-yama in Japan's Iwate Prefecture: a 69-year-old man became a victim of a bear when he accidentally fell into its den. However, the incident ended well for the tourist, who managed to defend himself using trekking poles, as reported by SoraNews24.
This incident happened while walking along one of the tourist trails when the man and his companion got lost due to heavy snowfall that had occurred the day before. Not noticing the entrance to the bear's den hidden under the snow, the Japanese man fell in, finding himself waist-deep in snow, with his legs next to the sleeping predator, which, startled, bit him on the calf.
After that, the bear emerged and attempted to attack the woman, but the man used his walking sticks and was able to drive the animal away. According to SoraNews24, the frightened bear hurried back into the forest. Japanese journalists even recreated this incident in a 3D format, demonstrating the moment of the bite.
The tourists successfully returned to the trail and made their way to the nearest settlement, from where the man was evacuated by rescue helicopter. Doctors confirmed that there was no serious threat to his life: the bite was superficial. It remains unclear whether the bear was able to return to its peaceful sleep after the incident.
In the past year, there has been a sharp increase in bear attacks on people and their property in Japan, so much so that the word "bear" was chosen as the kanji of the year for 2025. However, internet users' opinions in this case are clearly on the side of the bear:
“I can't say the bear was wrong.”
“A rare case where the bear was defending itself.”
“The bear was probably just as surprised as the tourist.”
“I suddenly saw a pair of legs break through my roof. It was terrifying.”
“If someone broke into my house, I would also be scared and start fighting.”
“Poor bear was just doing what it should and going into hibernation.”
“How can I sleep peacefully now?!”
“A rare case where the bear was defending itself.”
“The bear was probably just as surprised as the tourist.”
“I suddenly saw a pair of legs break through my roof. It was terrifying.”
“If someone broke into my house, I would also be scared and start fighting.”
“Poor bear was just doing what it should and going into hibernation.”
“How can I sleep peacefully now?!”
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