In a residential area of Minami Ward, Sapporo, bear-like growls were heard, and in Nishino, Nishi Ward, where footprints were found on October 8, one bear has been exterminated.
A low growl echoed in the darkness.
Around 10:00 PM on the 8th, bear-like animal cries echoed through the residential area of Ishikiyama Higashi in Minami Ward, Sapporo.
The family of a resident who heard the growls said—
“My younger sister heard it from that window. We didn’t see its figure, but there were sounds of movement.”
It was dark outside, and no bear was visible—
After rustling sounds were heard, animal growls echoed through the area.
Then on the 9th—
Around 10:00 AM in Fujino, Minami Ward, approximately 4 kilometers in a straight line from where the growls were confirmed, a woman living in a nearby house reported, “When I looked outside, I saw one bear walking on the road.”
The bear was about 1 meter in length and reportedly headed toward the mountains.
“It was right by that house. I realized this isn’t someone else’s problem when it happened right before my eyes.”
“No traces were found, but since the sighting was from a home window at close range around 10:00 AM, the possibility of mistaken identity is low.”
Bear sightings have been occurring frequently in Sapporo during 2025.
By the 8th, 220 bear sightings and related reports had been submitted, more than double the number from 2024.
Amid this situation, in Nishino, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, where bear appearances had been reported daily, one female bear was caught in a box trap set by the city and was exterminated on the morning of the 9th.
The bear measured 147 centimeters in length and weighed 103.5 kilograms. DNA analysis will be conducted to identify the individual.
The city of Sapporo warns that multiple bears besides the exterminated one are still active and continues to urge caution.
