Japan faces shortage of ‘monster wolf’ robots amid rise in bear attacks

A Monster Wolf being installed on a farm to scare away wild animals. Pic/Getty Images

Japan is facing a surge in human-bear encounters, leading to a shortage of its ‘Monster Wolf' - a solar-powered robot built to look like a wild predator and scare away pests. It uses motion sensors, flashing lights, and loud noises to frighten animals. When its infrared sensors detect movement, the robot's head jerks from side to side, while a rapid blue LED flashes on its tail.

It also includes a speaker with over 50 randomised audio clips to prevent animals from becoming desensitised to the threat. Since 2025, bear encounters have reportedly surged to over 50,000 sightings nationwide, with 13 confirmed fatalities and over 200 injuries so far.