Fisherman feared eaten by bear after head is found and animal has ‘boots dangling from its mouth’
Fisherman is feared to have been eaten by a bear after a human head was discovered and an animal was spotted ‘with boots dangling from its mouth’
- Police made the gruesome discovery at Lake Shumarinai on Japan’s northern island
- A boat driver witnessed a bear with fishing boots dangling from its mouth
A fisherman is feared to have been eaten by a bear after a human head was discovered and boots dangling from the animal’s mouth.
Police made the gruesome discovery at Lake Shumarinai on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
54-year-old fisherman Toshihiro Nishikawa was dropped off Monday at a remote lake fishing location in Horokanaion, but did not return.
The missing person was reported to the police and officials were sent to try and locate the man.
A boat operator providing transportation to Nishikawa at the lake reportedly witnessed a bear with fishing boots dangling from its mouth that same day.
City officials immediately launched a bear hunt to locate the deadly animal
Police made the gruesome discovery at Lake Shumarinai on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido
After the alarming sighting, the boat drivers said he tried to reach Nishikawa by phone but could not reach him, Japan’s Kyodo News reported.
City officials immediately launched a bear hunt to locate the deadly animal. That same evening, an animal was then shot at.
The search also discovered the remains of a human head near where the fisherman was last seen. But authorities have yet to determine if these were Nishikawa’s remains.
The Horokanai city office has issued an emergency alert following the suspected attack.
The statement read: “Please be careful when working on the farm, in the forest or when entering the mountains near the sightings.”
Officials warned that if people come into contact with a bear, they should remain calm, quiet and firm. You are advised not to run or provide food to them.
It is estimated that between 6,500 and 10,000 Ussuri brown bears inhabit Japan’s main northern island, Hokkaido.
The bears can reach a terrifying height of 2.3 meters and weigh more than 250 kg.
Fisherman Toshihiro Nishikawa, 54, was dropped off Monday at a remote fishing spot near the lake in Horokanaion, but has not yet returned
Conflicts between the Japanese bear population and humans are not rare and can often occur in areas where human settlements border wilderness.
Hokkaido officials said at least 14 people were killed or injured in bear attacks in 2021.
The Ussuri species of brown bear is also known as the Ezo or Russian grizzly bear.
Although it stands at a smaller height than its North American grizzly bear, it can be just as deadly.