Japan runs out of robot wolves in fight against bears

Japan is experiencing a surge in bear encounters and fatalities, with over 200 injuries and 13 deaths reported since early 2025, prompting high demand for Monster Wolf—a custom-made robot scarecrow equipped with LED eyes, speakers, and sensors that deter bears through sound and visual effects. Manufacturer Ohta cannot keep up with orders for the $4,000+ devices, with customers facing 2-3 month wait times, as the company hand-makes each unit. The crisis has worsened due to urban development encroaching on bear habitats and Japan's aging population being more vulnerable to attacks.