A young man’s hike turned fatal when a brown bear dragged him into the bushes in front of his friend’s eyes.

A hiker in his 20s was found dead on Japan's Mount Rausu on Friday after a violent bear attack the previous day left the popular mountain trails closed and hikers evacuated by helicopter, as Fox News reports.

The victim was hiking on Thursday along one of Mount Rausu’s scenic trails in Hokkaido, Japan, when the bear suddenly attacked. He was walking a short distance ahead of his companion at the time. Moments later, he screamed his friend’s name, alerting him to the danger.

When the friend rushed forward, he witnessed a horrifying scene: the young man was struggling with a brown bear as it dragged him into the dense underbrush. Terrified but unharmed, the witness escaped and immediately contacted police for help.

Mass evacuation as search teams scour mountain

In response to the attack, Japanese authorities swiftly scrambled rescue efforts. By the end of Thursday, more than 71 hikers were airlifted to safety from multiple locations on the mountain. Some people were forced to take shelter temporarily at the Okhotsk Observatory until they could be safely transported off the trails.

Mount Rausu, known for its natural beauty and concentration of brown bears, has had an increase in dangerous wildlife sightings. Following the incident, all three trails on the mountain were officially closed, and a bear warning was issued by officials that evening to discourage further hiking activity in the area.

Search and rescue operations resumed early Friday morning. Authorities combed the surrounding terrain and discovered alarming evidence confirming the victim’s fate. A shirt, hat, wallet, and watch—all stained with blood—were found scattered dozens of meters away from the trail.

Grim discovery confirms worst fears

Visible blood markings stained nearby trees and the forest floor, revealing a violent struggle. Authorities confirmed the man's tragic death shortly after the discovery of his belongings. His body was located near the same area later that day.

As part of the recovery efforts, hunters were dispatched to the vicinity where the attack took place. In their sweep of the rugged terrain near the body, they encountered multiple bears. Three brown bears were shot and killed on Friday to ensure hiker safety and assist in confirming whether one of them was responsible for the attack.

Though testing would be necessary to identify the exact animal involved, these efforts were part of a broader concern about rising bear activity across Japan. Officials and wildlife experts have expressed increasing concern over such encounters becoming more common in natural areas.

Surge in bear encounters alarms Japanese communities

The incident on Mount Rausu is one of many reported bear encounters in Japan this year. Just weeks earlier, officials conducted nationwide bear attack drills in response to a growing number of bear-related incidents, including human injuries and property damage.

In an unrelated case earlier this year, a man in his 70s survived a bear attack near an elementary school in Nasushiobara City, underscoring the unpredictability of such wildlife behavior, even in residential zones. The proximity of that incident to a school raised fears among parents and guardians.

With bear sightings increasing, Japanese authorities are urging hikers and residents to take added precautions, including avoiding remote trails during active bear seasons and not hiking alone.

Lessons to learn

1. Never hike alone and stay close to companions: The victim in this case was ahead of his friend by enough distance that he was attacked before help could arrive. Hikers should remain close together and maintain line of sight while on remote trails.

2. Respect wildlife warnings and closures: Trail closures and bear warnings are issued for a reason. Ignoring these advisories can place hikers directly in harm’s way. Always check for trail alerts before setting out.

3. Carry deterrent tools and stay informed: Bear spray, noise-making devices, and mobile phones with GPS and emergency calling functions can all increase personal safety. However, it’s critical to remember that even the best precautions cannot eliminate all risks. No one deserves to become a victim, and blame should never fall on individuals who encounter unexpected danger.

Why this story matters

This tragic bear attack sheds light on the increasing danger posed by wildlife in areas that draw thousands of hikers annually. It emphasizes the urgent need for further safety measures on popular mountain trails. The incident also highlights the importance of community education and readiness regarding changing wildlife behavior in Japan.

Officials have already increased patrols and issued stronger advisories, but face a balancing act between conservation and public safety. This heartbreaking event acts as a critical reminder to stay vigilant even in the most breathtaking landscapes.

The friend of the victim, who witnessed the final moments of the attack and acted quickly, is safe -- though undoubtedly shaken. Police have not released identities out of respect for the victim’s family.