On the morning of the 13th, a bear appeared at a ski resort in Bibai City, Hokkaido, and there was a fuss about 80 skiers evacuating.
No one was injured, but the ski area is closed until the 15th.
According to police, around 9:30 am on the 13th, several passengers on the lift found a bear in the forest beside the course near the summit of Bibai Kokusetsu Ski Resort in Bibai City. ..
An employee who was informed saw a bear leaving the forest and crossing the course of the ski resort, and the facility took steps to evacuate about 80 skiers at the time.
No guests were attacked and no one was injured.
According to the police, the bear was around the course for about 30 minutes, but after that, when the city officials and police officers rushed in after receiving the report, they disappeared.
According to the facility, it was the first time that bears appeared around the course at this time of winter, so the ski resort was closed until the 15th to confirm safety.
Expert "Hibernation late, still looking for food?"
Regarding the infestation of bears during this time of winter, Professor Emeritus Koji Kanagawa of Hokkaido University, who is familiar with the ecology of brown bears, said, "Since brown bears usually hibernate from around the end of November, hibernation occurs during this period. It can be said that it is a little late. "
He added, "This is because the acorns that brown bears store before hibernation were poorly harvested nationwide, so they may be undernourished and still wandering around in search of food. Bears are also found in other areas. You should be careful because it may appear. "