Suspected Bear Attack Claims Life of an 81-Year-Old Woman in Kitakami

In Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture, a tragic incident took place on July 4, when an 81-year-old woman, Seiko Takahashi, was discovered dead in her living room, suspected to be the victim of a bear attack. Her son found her around 7:40 a.m., and despite his efforts to call for medical help, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities reported that Ms. Takahashi had sustained several injuries, including multiple lacerations likely inflicted by animal claws. Notably, there were bear footprints found within the house, prompting police to investigate the possibility of a bear being responsible for the attack. An autopsy is planned to clarify the exact cause of her death.

Takahashi lived independently in a rural area characterized by rice fields, and her son had been a regular visitor. The area has experienced a surge in bear activities, with police noting an increase in bear sightings since May, including several incidents of bears entering homes and rummaging through food supplies.