More and more wild bears have been spotted in Japan in recent years, even in residential areas, due to factors including a declining human population and climate change. "A woman was confirmed dead and another is still missing," a police official in Miyagi Prefecture told AFP. While the official said police were still investigating the cause of death, local media reported one of the group called police saying the woman was attacked by a bear. Last month, Japan eased gun rules making it easier for hunters to use rifles in built-up areas following a rise in bear attacks. Government data shows bears attacked 85 people in the year ending March 2025, with three fatalities.