Hoshino Community Base Novice Bear Dog Interaction Group - Hello, Sushana!Event period 2025/06/19-20

Bear dogs are essential for the coexistence of people and bears in Karuizawa. At Hoshino Community Base, we will hold a meeting for new members to interact with our "novice bear dogs."

Karuizawa is a town in the forest. Many wild animals live near the people, including Asiatic black bears.

For over 20 years, Picchio has been working to promote coexistence between humans and bears. His indispensable companion in this endeavor is his "bear dog." Now, a new dog is joining the group to become a bear dog.

The new member's name is "Sushanna (left)." She is a one-year-old girl born in Alaska and just arrived in Japan on June 1, 2025.

Sushana will have to undergo a lot of training to become a full-fledged bear dog, including learning to sniff out bears, tracking their whereabouts, and barking loudly on her handler's orders.

But the first thing I want them to learn is how to become friends with others. To do that, it is essential that they have the experience of meeting many people of different ages and genders.

So we planned this event so that you could come and meet Sushana as part of the training. After a brief explanation about bear dogs, you will have the chance to take turns interacting with Sushana, even if it is only for a short time. Of course, you are also welcome to take commemorative photos.

We apologize to dog lovers, but please refrain from bringing your pet dog with you this time, and please participate as "people only". Sushana will eventually need to be able to remain calm no matter what dog she meets, but she is still in the early stages of that stage. We hope you will understand the purpose of the training.

Date

2025/6/19 (Thu), 6/20 (Fri)

Time

11:00-11:30 (Registration 10:45-11:00)

Place

Fir Tree Square (next to Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu)

Prices

Free

Advance application

Not required Please come during reception hours

In case of rain

Cancel

Dogs allowed

Improper

Other

The event may end earlier depending on Sushana's condition.

What is a "Bear Dog"?
These dogs are specially trained to detect the scent of bears. They can follow the instructions of their handler (a trainer and caretaker) and bark loudly at bears, chasing them away into the depths of the forest without harming them. Many of them are active in North American national parks, and Picchio was the first bear dog in Asia to be introduced by the Wind River Bear Institute (WRBI), an American bear dog breeding organization, in 2004. Sushana is the fourth generation bear dog.

What is “Hoshino Community Base”?
We hold courses, workshops, and events with the theme of "enriching your life in Karuizawa" for people who live in Karuizawa and its surrounding areas.
"Click here for details on “Hoshino Community Base”