Japan runs out of robot wolves in fight against bears
Japan is facing a shortage of robot wolves designed to deter bears in rural areas. The demand for these custom-made devices has surged due to increasing bear encounters and injuries among residents. The manufacturer, Ohta, is struggling to keep up with orders as the bear population continues to pose a threat to safety.
- ▪Japan's bear encounters have risen significantly due to urban development encroaching on their habitats.
- ▪Since the beginning of 2025, there have been at least 200 injuries and 13 fatalities related to bear attacks in Japan.
- ▪The Monster Wolf, a robot designed to scare off bears, is custom-made and takes two to three months to produce due to high demand.
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The robot scarecrows are used to ward off bears in rural areas. Credit: Richard Atrero de Guzman via Getty Images Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Email address Sign up Thank you! Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Japan’s bear problem continues, and the country is running out of the robot wolves that help keep them at bay. First released in 2016 by the manufacturer Ohta, Monster Wolf was originally designed to ward off the agricultural foes like boars, deer, and the island nation’s Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and brown bear (Ursus arctos) populations. The creative solution quickly went viral for its red LED eyes and menacing fangs—as well as its admittedly odd, furry pipe frame.
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