08/06/2026
An unprecedented spike in bear attacks across Japan has driven a massive surge in demand for "Super Monster Wolf" robots designed to scare away wildlife.
Ohta Seiki, a manufacturing company based in Hokkaido, has already received around 50 orders this year, surpassing its typical annual total and resulting in a two-to-three-month production backlog. These lifelike mechanical wolves feature flashing red LED eyes, motorized head movements, and speakers that blast over 50 different roars and human voices to deter approaching animals.
The rush for these $4,000 devices comes after a record-breaking period where bear-related human fatalities in Japan more than doubled to 13 deaths, alongside over 50,000 reported sightings nationwide. Originally dismissed as a gimmick when launched in 2016, the robots are now vital safety tools for farmers, golf course operators, and rural construction workers. To better combat the ongoing wildlife crisis, Ohta Seiki is currently developing upgraded models featuring wheels for active patrolling and integrated AI cameras.
