Japan runs out of robot wolves in fight against bears
Japan’s bear problem persists, and the country is running out of robot wolves that help keep them at bay. First released in 2016 by manufacturer Ohta, Monster Wolf was initially designed to repel agricultural enemies like wild boars, deer and the Asian black bear from the island nation (Ursus tibetanus) and the brown bear (Ursus arctos) populations. The creative solution quickly went viral for its menacing red LED eyes and fangs, as well as its admittedly strange furry pipe-shaped frame.
Starting at around $4,000, each custom-made Monster Wolf now comes equipped with a battery, solar panels and detection sensors. Its speakers are programmed with more than 50 audio clips, including human voices and sirens audible over a mile away. These are not assembly line products, however. Each Monster Wolf is custom made and Ohta simply cannot keep up with the current demand.
“We make them by hand. We can’t make them fast enough now. We ask our customers to wait two to three months,” company president Yuji Ohta told AFP recently.
Encounters with bears in Japan have steadily increased as urban development continues to encroach on their habitats and limit their food sources. The country’s rapidly aging population also makes them particularly vulnerable to attacks, particularly in more rural areas. Since the start of 2025, the government has reported at least 200 injuries and 13 deaths, more than double the previous mortality record. Official data also recorded more than 50,000 bear sightings across the country during the same period.
Last year, Japan even deployed its own army to help eradicate the bears. More than 14,600 animals were captured and euthanized in 2025, an all-time high and almost triple that of the previous year.
Ohta told AFP that amid the current crisis there was a “growing recognition” that Monster Wolf is “effective in fighting bears.” The main customer base remains farmers, but orders also come from golf courses and rural workers. Upgraded versions will soon include wheels to chase animals and patrol predefined routes. There are also plans to release a portable version aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and schoolchildren.
Until Ohta catches up, residents and visitors are encouraged to consult the Japanese government’s bear safety tips.
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