Japan has a growing bear problem, and one deterrent is so popular that it has sold out. A Hokkaido company has been selling "Monster Wolves" since 2016 to help combat the problem. As seen in this video, the $4000 solar powered animatronic scarecrows are absolutely terrifying, with flashing red eyes and screams that can be heard a half a mile away.
The wolves are made by hand, and company president Yuji Ohta told AFP that they are currently sold out with a waiting list of two to three months. Customers have already ordered more wolves than the company usually sells in a year.
The surge in demand for the robotic wolf follows a record 13 fatal bear attacks in 2025-2026, more than twice the previous high. There were more than 50,000 bear sightings nationwide in that period, more than double the previous record set two years earlier. The animals were seen entering homes, roaming near schools, and rampaging through stores and hot spring resorts on an almost daily basis.
The Independent
With the surge in attacks, interest in the wolves has expanded outside the original market of farmers to a variety of outdoor applications. The company cannot keep up with the increased demand, so customers will have to wait a little longer to get their screaming robot wolves.
Previously:
• Wolves sing along to folk song in the snow
• Scientists cry foul on Colossal's 'de-extincted Dire Wolf' claim
• USDA uses Marriage Story screaming match to scare wolves in Yellowstone
