The bear, described by local wildlife officials as 'extremely intelligent', has evaded capture for three days after attacking four people in the mountains of Hokkaido. Japanese authorities have warned that the animal, believed to be a male brown bear weighing over 200 kilograms, has learned to avoid traps and bait. It has been spotted near popular hiking trails, leading to the closure of several routes.
The British Embassy in Tokyo has issued a statement advising British climbers to avoid the area and to exercise extreme caution if venturing into the backcountry. 'This is not your average bear,' said a source in the Hokkaido Prefectural Government. 'It has been observed dismantling traps and ignoring bait.
This is a dangerous situation.' The bear's rampage began on Monday when it attacked a group of four climbers on Mount Yotei, a popular destination for British and international tourists. Three of the victims are in hospital with severe injuries.
Search teams, including marksmen and drones, have been scrambled, but the bear has evaded them. 'It's almost as if it knows our tactics,' the source added. 'It moves at night and hides in dense thickets during the day.
