A Japanese Buddhist monk was rescued from a bear attack by his adopted Beagle, Chico, near Youkoku Temple in Niigata Prefecture on May 29, 2025. Tougen Yoshihara, the 45-year-old abbot of the historic temple, was walking the one-year-old dog in nearby woods when a 1.6-meter-tall bear appeared.
Yoshihara, known for his muscular physique, panicked and fell while attempting to flee, dislocating his right shoulder. Despite his physical strength, he felt helpless against the bear. Chico, however, barked fiercely, driving the bear away and briefly chasing it into the woods. Yoshihara, enduring shoulder pain, searched for Chico until his wife called to report the dog’s safe return home.
Chico had been abandoned by a previous owner for being “too loud” before Yoshihara adopted him. The monk now calls Chico his “savior” and allowed the dog to sleep beside him that night. The story, reported by Nippon Television (NTV), sparked positive reactions online. One commenter noted, “Beagles are loud but loyal; they shouldn’t be abandoned for their nature.” Another said, “Dogs repay love with loyalty.”
Niigata Prefecture has recorded over 160 bear sightings in 2025, with two injuries from attacks, per TBS Television. Authorities recommend carrying noisemaking devices like bells to deter bears. Yoshihara, who describes himself as a “muscular monk” on social media, has 5,700 followers and publicly thanked Chico for his bravery.
Beagles, known for their vocal and playful demeanor, are prone to abandonment due to their noise, according to animal welfare experts cited by NTV. Japan’s pet adoption rates have risen, with the Ministry of the Environment reporting 1.2 million dogs registered in 2024, emphasizing the need for responsible ownership.
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