Bear Hibernation Ends, Sightings Surge ~5.5x in April — 'Physical Injury' Top Concern; ~20% Worried About Home/Property Damage; Over 90% Unaware Bear Damage May Be Covered by Fire Insurance
Rising bear sightings increase home damage anxiety, while awareness that fire insurance may cover bear damage remains critically low.
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- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 00:36
Sony Sonpo Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Hiroyuki Tsubota, HQ: Ota-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter 'Sony Sonpo') conducted a 'Bear Damage and Home Defense Awareness Survey' targeting 1,000 homeowners with fire insurance across 10 regions nationwide. The survey found that approximately 20% of respondents are concerned about bear damage to their homes or properties. Furthermore, over 90% of respondents said they were unaware that bear damage may be eligible for fire insurance coverage.
■ Why Bear Countermeasures in Residential Areas Are Needed Now
According to the Ministry of the Environment (※1), the number of bear-related human injuries in FY2025 has set a new record high since FY2008. In recent years, food shortages in forests and the increase in abandoned farmland have led to the emergence of 'urban bears' — bears that live near human settlements and appear in towns — becoming a serious social issue. The spring post-hibernation period requires particular vigilance, as sighting numbers tend to spike sharply once bears become active. Inspecting and preparing homes before damage escalates has become an urgent priority.
※1 Ministry of the Environment, 'On Bear-Related Human Injuries [Preliminary Figures]'
■ Sightings Surge After Hibernation Ends — ~5.5x by April vs. Previous Month
Referencing bear sighting data published by the Ministry of the Environment (※2), sightings surge to 795 cases in April (approximately 5.5x the previous month) and 2,515 cases in May (approximately 3.1x the previous month). Re-confirming fire insurance coverage before the full active season arrives is an effective way to protect household finances and livelihoods in the event of damage. Against this backdrop, Sony Sonpo conducted the 'Bear Damage and Home Defense Awareness Survey' targeting 1,000 homeowners with fire insurance across 10 regions nationwide.
※2 Cited from Ministry of the Environment, 'Bear Sighting Cases (5-Year Data).' Figures are per fiscal year (April–March).
■ Why Bear Countermeasures in Residential Areas Are Needed Now
According to the Ministry of the Environment (※1), the number of bear-related human injuries in FY2025 has set a new record high since FY2008. In recent years, food shortages in forests and the increase in abandoned farmland have led to the emergence of 'urban bears' — bears that live near human settlements and appear in towns — becoming a serious social issue. The spring post-hibernation period requires particular vigilance, as sighting numbers tend to spike sharply once bears become active. Inspecting and preparing homes before damage escalates has become an urgent priority.
※1 Ministry of the Environment, 'On Bear-Related Human Injuries [Preliminary Figures]'
■ Sightings Surge After Hibernation Ends — ~5.5x by April vs. Previous Month
Referencing bear sighting data published by the Ministry of the Environment (※2), sightings surge to 795 cases in April (approximately 5.5x the previous month) and 2,515 cases in May (approximately 3.1x the previous month). Re-confirming fire insurance coverage before the full active season arrives is an effective way to protect household finances and livelihoods in the event of damage. Against this backdrop, Sony Sonpo conducted the 'Bear Damage and Home Defense Awareness Survey' targeting 1,000 homeowners with fire insurance across 10 regions nationwide.
※2 Cited from Ministry of the Environment, 'Bear Sighting Cases (5-Year Data).' Figures are per fiscal year (April–March).