Japan Deploys Robot Wolves to Fend Off Deadly Bear Attacks
Japan is struggling with a rising number of bear attacks as populations of Asian black bears and Ussuri brown bears grow. These animals now cause serious damage to farms, destroying crops, orchards, and poultry. In response, a company has developed a small robot wolf to scare them away.
Last year alone, bears killed 13 people and injured over 200 in attacks across the country.
The problem has pushed Ohta Seiki to create a portable bear deterrent called the Monster Wolf Mini. This compact device, just 20 centimetres long, resembles a plush toy but emits loud, threatening sounds. It can reach up to 90 decibels and issue warnings like 'You won't be spared!' to frighten bears.
Over 300 larger versions of the robot wolf are already in use, and tests confirm that bears and deer flee when the devices activate. The company now plans to release an even smaller model by the 2026 fiscal year. This next version will produce eight different sounds, including wolf howls, bear roars, lion growls, and elephant trumpets.
The Monster Wolf Mini is expected to cost under ¥10,000 (around €55), making it an affordable alternative to personal alarms or whistles. Demand for portable bear deterrents remains high as conflicts between humans and bears increase.
Japan's bear population continues to grow, with an estimated 40,000 Asian black bears and 12,000 Ussuri brown bears living in the wild. The new robot wolf aims to reduce attacks and protect farms without harming the animals. The device will be available for purchase from the 2026 financial year.
