Japanese authorities confirm the first fatal bear attack of 2026 after a 55-year-old woman is found dead in Iwate prefecture. Officials say the woman, discovered dead last month, was killed by a bear. The incident follows a year of unusually high bear-related deaths: Japan recorded 13 bear deaths last year, described as a record. In addition to the confirmed case in 2026, authorities suspect two further fatalities may also be linked to bear attacks. Sources report that, so far this year, two other deaths are under investigation as suspected bear-related incidents. Separate reporting also indicates that bear sightings have increased over the past year to March, with incidents involving bears doubling during that period. Authorities’ investigation focuses on confirming whether the additional suspected deaths were caused by bear attacks and on managing the rising risk in affected areas.