蝦夷棕熊 / Ezo Higuma, or the Hokkaido Brown Bear

蝦夷棕熊是日本原生哺乳類動物當中體型最大的生物。蝦夷是北海道的古稱，在日本只有北海道有蝦夷棕熊棲息在這裡。特別是在道東地區，公路上也曾目擊過棕熊。雖說熊會冬眠但是棕熊的活動期間是從春天到冬季初期。要步行前往山區攜帶驅熊鈴是必須的。萬一不小心遇到了熊，千萬別刺激熊慢慢地往回走，如果逃跑的話熊反而會追上來。

Ezo Higuma, or the Hokkaido Brown Bear in English, is the biggest mammal in Japan. This name is commonly shortened to Higuma. Ezo is the old name of Hokkaido and this bear can only be found in Hokkaido. They can be seen in all parts of Hokkaido but Eastern Hokkaido in particular is famous for bears. Sometimes, they're seen near roads there. They hibernate during winter; while they are active the rest of the year. When walking in the deep forest, a special bell is necessary to avoid meeting a Higuma. In the case of coming across one, retreating slowly is the best way. If you try running away, they will chase you.