【”危険な遭遇”でまた閉鎖】60代男性がヒグマに追いかけられ知床・羅臼岳が「レベル4：極めて危険」の警戒態勢に…11か月ぶりに規制解除されたばかりの登山道は7月14日まで再び閉鎖〈北海道〉

Mount Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula, which had been bustling with hikers for the first time in about 11 months, has once again had its trails closed due to bear sightings. "Following a dangerous encounter between a hiker and a bear, a sign reading 'Extremely Dangerous' has been posted at the trailhead of Mount Rausu, and the trailhead is closed," (Reporter Kaisei Numata). Another dangerous encounter with a bear on Mount Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula. The hiking trail has been closed. Shortly after 11:00 AM on July 9th, a male hiker in his 60s, who was descending alone near the Okhotsk Observatory, was chased by a bear. The man sprayed bear repellent, causing the bear to flee, and he was unharmed. The Shiretoko Foundation, after completing their investigation, stated… "We confirmed traces of a brown bear," (Shiretoko Foundation member). In August 2025, a male hiker in his 20s was attacked and killed by a bear on Mount Rausu. Since then, multiple mother bears and their cubs have repeatedly appeared, resulting in a series of dangerous close-range encounters. "I've prepared bear spray and a bell, and I'll try to walk where I can see people as much as possible, without speeding up," (Hiker on July 5th) The hiking trail had only just reopened on July 5th after approximately 11 months of restrictions, and many hikers visited on this reopening day. "A five-day closure has been decided, and during that time, we will conduct on-site surveys and consider future responses," (Yasushi Takenaka, Utoro Nature Conservation Office, Ministry of the Environment) The alert level has been raised to the highest level, "Level 4: Extremely Dangerous." All trailheads will be closed until at least July 14th. The incident occurred on Mount Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula. The man encountered the bear after ascending from the Iwaobetsu trailhead. Mount Rausu has three hiking routes, but all have been closed due to this sighting. The man reportedly repelled the bear with bear spray, but how can it be sprayed effectively? According to the Shiretoko Foundation, the effective range of bear spray is said to be 3 to 4 meters. When you get close, spray the entire contents at once, aiming for the eyes and nose. Bear spray is generally expensive, costing around 10,000 yen, but the Shiretoko Foundation rents it out for 1,100 yen per day. Please consider renting. Investigations are continuing at the site, but please take sufficient precautions.