Summary
Japan has increased efforts to control the bear population due to a rise in bear attacks, which have resulted in multiple deaths this year. The government is using hunters and training riot police to manage the bear encounters, influenced by climate change and rural depopulation. Tourism in affected areas has decreased as bear-related incidents continue to cause concern.
Key Facts
- Japan has recorded 13 fatalities from bear attacks between April and November, the highest since records began.
- Four bears were recently killed as part of efforts to reduce attacks, including one near a Shinto shrine and another in a family's storage shed.
- Factors contributing to increased bear encounters include climate change affecting food sources and fewer people living in rural areas.
- Decreased tourism is reported in areas with frequent bear incidents, affecting local businesses like a hot spring inn.
- The Japanese black bear and Ussuri brown bear are the two bear species found in Japan.
- The government suggests measures like carrying noise-making items to alert bears and advises people to remain cautious.
