(MENAFN) Japan is contending with a dual challenge as real-world bear attacks rise and AI-generated fake videos depicting aggressive bears proliferate online, causing concern and confusion among the public.

Fake clips showing bears destroying property or attacking pets have been circulating rapidly on social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, reports say. One AI-created video depicts a horde of bears damaging solar panels, while another shows a bear snatching a dog. Experts caution that although the footage is fabricated, it can easily mislead viewers when mixed with genuine reports.

“Along with increasing news reports of the damage caused by bear attacks, the number of fake bear videos have also increased,” said Daisuke Furuta, chief editor of the Japan Fact-Check Center.

This year, at least 14 people have died in confirmed or suspected bear-related incidents nationwide, with dozens more injured. On Sunday alone, five people were attacked across three prefectures.

In response to safety concerns, Japan Post Co. suspended some postal services last week, particularly in Akita Prefecture, where bear sightings and incidents are frequent.

Telecommunications company NTT East also announced it would review safety measures for employees working in mountainous areas prone to bear activity.

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