Bear Seen Gnawing on Suspected Human Body in Japan; Aomori Man Missing While Gathering Bamboo Shoots

(Taipei, June 29, CNA Foreign News) A 63-year-old man in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, went missing yesterday after heading to the mountains to gather bamboo shoots. While searching by helicopter, police spotted a bear gnawing on "what appeared to be a human body" from the air.

According to The Yomiuri Shimbun, a helicopter from the Aomori Prefectural Police was flying over the mountainous area of Arakawa, Aomori City, when the search resumed around 9:30 AM today.

Aomori Broadcasting (RAB) reported that the missing man's name is Masaharu Kudo. He left around 6 AM yesterday with a friend to gather bamboo shoots in the mountains approximately 540 meters east of Hakkoda Hotel in the Arakawa area of Aomori City. However, he did not return at the agreed-upon meeting time.

Police stated that while waiting at the meeting point, the missing man's friend not only saw their luggage appeared to have been disturbed by animals but also witnessed a bear in the vicinity.

Police and other units are continuing their search for the missing man, and it is believed he may have been attacked by a bear.

An incident where a bear attacked and injured a woman gathering bamboo shoots occurred in the vicinity on June 24.

Additionally, a 68-year-old man from Aomori City went missing on June 21 after telling his family he was "going to gather bamboo shoots," and authorities are still searching for him. (Translator: Yang Weijing) 1150629

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