Terrifying moment rampaging bear CHARGES at car after spate of deadly maulings sparks military deployment in Japan

THIS heart-stopping footage shows a huge growling bear slamming its claws into a car bonnet as the driver reverses to escape.

The incident took place after the beast broke into a horse ranch on Hokkaido Island, Japan.

The video shows the bear charging the car, before striking it with both paws, causing a thunderous bang.

The attack left visible dents and scratches across the bonnet.

Kuwata Ranch later shared photos of the damage, showing several deep claw marks in the metal surface.

The ranch owner said an employee was on a routine patrol to feed the animals on Thursday evening when the bear appears.

He added: “There was no other damage apart from what’s seen in the footage, and the employee is safe.

“Please be extremely careful if you live nearby or travel through the area.”

Bear attacks have been rising across Hokkaido and northeastern Honshu, with 13 deaths recorded nationwide since April, the highest number since records began.

Last week, a man in his 50s has been left battered and bruised after a traumatising bear attack in Fukushima prefecture.

He managed to escape after being slashed on the back of his head while walking in the town of Aizubange.

Emergency services had to airlift the man 37 miles to Akita city for life-saving surgery.

Another resident in his 80s was attacked in the same neighbourhood earlier in the week.

In northern Iwate Prefecture, 60-year-old Katsumi Sasazaki went missing while cleaning an outdoor bath.

Investigators later found human blood and bear fur at the scene.

In Akita prefecture, residents say the animals are venturing closer to homes and shops in depopulated areas due to dwindling food sources before winter hibernation.

Authorities said there have been more than 20,000 bear sightings across the country between April and September, already exceeding last year’s total.

In response, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have been deployed to assist local governments.

Large traps have been set around the area and captured bears are transported from Akita Prefecture.

Personnel are equipped with shields, bear repellent, and protective gear, but are not authorised to shoot or kill bears.

The Environment Ministry and regional authorities have also launched a ‘bear appearance map’ to warn residents and tourists about high-risk zones.

The map, available in Japanese and English, marks mountain routes and tourist areas where bear activity has been reported.

Meanwhile, local governments continue to use drones with loudspeakers to broadcast warnings and play dog barks or firecracker sounds to drive bears away from inhabited areas.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government would take “necessary measures one after another with a sense of urgency” to protect residents.