Rested but famished bears emerging from hibernation in Japan are already coming into contact with humans, with the pace of sightings outstripping that seen in 2025, a record year for bear attacks . According to media reports, the animals have been spotted with surprising frequency in urban areas in the country’s north-east, with authorities urging caution among people planning to spend the coming Golden Week public holidays in the countryside. In 2026 there has already been one possible fatal mauling after the body of a woman was found last week in the prefecture (county) of Iwate, soon after a police officer was injured in a bear attack nearby. Bells and whistles: how our reporter prepared for visiting bear hotspot – video With winter just over, police have been called to populated areas following sightings near apartment buildings, a warehouse and a railway station.…