A ‘scarebear’? Japan uses wolf animatronics to deter bears

Bear encounters have been widely reported in Japan, with a surge in sightings making headlines in 2025, and continued reports into 2026, which has already seen one confirmed fatal case linked to bear activity. The media called last year a record year for bear attacks on humans — Japan had to deploy troops to Akita, a mountainous northern prefecture on Honshu Island, to address the problem. Therefore, Japan has resorted to unusual, yet creative measures — frightening wolf animatronics, according to USA Today.

The robot wolf called «Monster Wolf» functions like a scarecrow, but for wildlife, including bears. The animatronic is solar-powered and equipped with glowing red LED eyes. The wolf is capable of moving its head and producing over 50 types of frightening sounds.

The device was introduced in 2016 by the Ohta Seiki company in Hokkaido and has recently become a hit, as the manufacturer struggles to keep it in stock. Reportedly, the price for one robot ranges between $4,000 and $4,840.

Between April last year and this year, Japan recorded 238 bear attacks, including 13 deaths, with most incidents occurring in the Tohoku region. Experts suggest that last year’s poor beechnut harvest, a key food source for bears, forced the animals into populated areas. While improved crops are expected this year, potentially reducing such encounters, caution remains.