A forager lost their life in Japan after being attacked by a brown bear (known locally as a "Higuma"), marking the most significant number of such encounters so far this year. The victim was reportedly collecting wild plants in the mountain region when the incident occurred. Authorities caution the public about the risks involved in foraging activities and urge adherence to safety measures, stressing the unpredictability of wildlife.

In Japan, such incidents are taken very seriously. People tend to respect nature and its possible dangers. Foraging in the wild is a popular hobby and part of traditional Japanese lifestyle, but it also bears risks, particularly in remote areas where wildlife, including bears, are present. Safety measures tend to be reinforced after such incidents, with increased information campaigns and sometimes further restrictions on access to high-risk areas.

In the US, encounters with wildlife such as bears also occur, especially in forested and rural areas, with civil protection agencies and wildlife officials emphasizing the importance of appropriate behavior. In the European Union, the primary wildlife risk faced by people is arguably the presence of wolfs and large ungulates (like moose in Scandinavia). However, incidents are typically less frequent due to differing population densities and attitudes toward wilderness activities.