Information
Bear Countermeasures at AIU (Updated October 28)
October 28, 2025
Akita International University Administration Office
I. Current Situation
1. Situation within Akita Prefecture
- This fiscal year, sightings of bears within Akita Prefecture have been confirmed at a higher rate than usual. Since October, the situation has become particularly serious, with frequent incidents of personal injury.
2. Situation at the University and Surrounding Areas
- On Friday, October 24, a bear was sighted on campus near the library.
- Akita Prefectural Central Park has also received bear sightings within its grounds. Consequently, the use of the “Archery Range, Throwing Range, Baseball Field, Baseball Plaza,” and “all outdoor facilities during nighttime hours (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, including the campground)” has been suspended from Monday, October 27, to Friday, October 31.
II. University Emergency Measures
In light of the current situation, the university will implement the following emergency measures and expand their implementation for the foreseeable future.
1. Expansion of Bear-Repelling Fireworks
The operation of bear-repelling fireworks near the campus perimeter will be expanded as follows for the foreseeable future.
| Item | Previous Measures | Expanded Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation Days | Weekdays (5 Days/Week) | Expanded to Every Day (7 Days/Week) |
| Implementation Frequency | 1 Time per Day (Around 9:00 AM) | Expanded to 2 Times per Day (Around 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM) |
| Implementation Locations | 3 Locations | Expanded to 6 Locations |
2. Other Measures
- Operation of high-volume bear deterrent security speakers
- Implementation of nighttime illumination using LED animal deterrent lights
- Expansion of bear spray inventory (stored at the security office and loaned out as needed)
III. Preventive Measures Against Bear Damage (Requests to Students and Staff)
To ensure campus-wide safety, the following preventive measures are strictly required as temporary measures based on the current situation. (Issued via campus-wide email on 10/27)
- Avoid walking alone around campus or in Akita Prefectural Central Park for the time being, as it poses a risk. Even in groups, carry bear bells or whistles and make noise while moving.
- Do not enter the forests surrounding the campus.
- To avoid attracting bears, dispose of trash and empty cans according to the rules.
- Even outside the campus area, check bear sighting information via websites like “Kumadasu” and take cautious actions, such as avoiding solo activities as much as possible.
IV. Response Measures and Reporting System in Case of Bear Encounters
1. Reporting Sightings/Encounters and Sharing Information
If you sight a bear on or near campus, contact the dedicated account immediately. When sightings are reported, the entire university is promptly notified via a university-wide email.
2. Response During an Encounter
If you encounter a bear, remain calm, slowly back away, and quietly leave the area. It is emphasized that you should never approach a bear, even if it is a cub.