Japan Faces Unprecedented Surge in Bear Attacks with Over 100 Injuries in 2025

Billy Halloran, a 32-year-old ultramarathon runner from New Zealand living in Japan, survived a harrowing bear attack during a training run in early October near Myoko. He encountered two Asiatic black bears, and as he tried to retreat, one charged and bit his right arm, fully snapping it and causing severe injuries, including damage to his leg. Despite his serious wounds, Halloran managed to call his wife and run nearly a kilometer for help before being hospitalized and undergoing multiple surgeries, including a hip bone graft and the insertion of metal plates to repair his shattered arm. Japan is currently experiencing a surge in bear encounters and attacks, with over 100 injuries and at least seven deaths recorded in 2025, driven by climate change and reduced food supply pushing bears closer to populated areas. Authorities have reported incidents of bears entering supermarkets and other populated places, prompting stronger control measures. Halloran expressed gratitude for his survival and hopes to return to running after a lengthy recovery, now planning to carry bear spray for protection.