In a startling turn of events, an agitated bear has caused chaos in a Japanese grocery store, injuring two people and startling shoppers. This incident comes on the heels of a separate suspected bear attack that resulted in the death of a man. The bear, estimated to be around 4.5 feet tall, entered the store in Numata, Gunma, north of Tokyo, on Tuesday evening, causing minor injuries to two men in their 60s and 70s. The store, located near mountainous areas, had never experienced bear visits before, according to a management planning official. The bear's erratic behavior included attempting to climb onto a fish case and damaging the glass, as well as knocking over a pile of avocados in the fruits section. The store's manager reported that around 30 to 40 customers were inside at the time, and the bear's agitation was likely due to its struggle to find an exit. This incident highlights the growing concern over bear attacks in Japan, with a record number of human-bear encounters reported last year. Experts attribute the increase in bear activity to climate change, which affects their food sources and hibernation cycles, as well as Japan's declining population and the resulting expansion of bear habitats. As the bear population grows, the country faces the challenge of implementing new strategies to protect both people and critical infrastructure from these increasingly bold animals.
