Robots vs Wild: Japan turns to handmade ‘monster wolves’ to prevent deadly bear attacks

Japan is turning to Monster Wolf scare robots to keep bears and other wildlife away from farms and towns as encounters surge.

Bear sightings and attacks have risen sharply in 2025, driving urgent demand for the solar-powered deterrents.

The handmade robots are in short supply because maker Ohta Seiki cannot keep up with orders.

Rising fatalities and rural safety fears are pushing Japan to deploy emergency wildlife-control measures, including help from the military.