Train derails after colliding with bear in Japan

The first carriage of a passenger train derailed after colliding with a bear on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. The incident occurred in the area between the cities of Asahikawa and Wakkanai. None of the passengers and crew members were injured. This was announced on October 31 by JR Hokkaido railway company to Kobe Shimbun.

People had to spend the night on the train from Friday to Saturday: the driver was afraid that the animal was only injured and could pose a danger. In the morning, passengers were taken by taxi to the nearest station. At the same time, traffic in the emergency area remains suspended for the time being. JR Hokkaido could not give a timeline for his recovery.

The collision occurred amid an increase in the number of bear incidents in Japan. In fiscal year 2025, which ended on March 31, 2026, the damage from their attacks in Hokkaido reached a record 487 million yen (more than $3 million). This is the maximum value since 1991, when they began to keep such statistics. Losses have increased for the third year in a row: bears are destroying corn and sugar beet crops, as well as ruining orchards.

Not up to hibernation: how the regions solve the problem of bear attacks on people

In the Urals, they are increasing the production of animals, and in Siberia, they are increasing patrols and imposing restrictions on residents.

Andrey Sitsko, Acting president of the Rosokhotrybolovsoyuz Association, said at a press conference at Izvestia on October 14 that hunting is necessary and is the only mechanism for regulating the number of bears that needs to be supported. The expert called for encouraging amateur sports bear hunting and taking measures to increase the number of hunters.