The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory for British citizens planning trips to Japan. Japan, typically known as one of the safest countries globally, is currently facing a rise in bear attacks in the Akita region. Brown bears and Asiatic black bears have been causing concerns by venturing closer to residential areas like schools, train stations, and supermarkets. Since April, there have been over 100 bear-related injuries and at least 12 fatalities in Japan.
The Foreign Office’s travel warning emphasizes the increased bear activity in Japan, especially in mountainous and forested regions near populated areas. It advises travelers to follow local guidance, stay alert, and take necessary precautions when visiting these bear-affected areas.
The influx of bears into residential zones is occurring in an area with an aging population and a declining human presence, with limited individuals trained for bear management. The total bear population in the region is estimated to be more than 54,000.
To address the situation, the Defence Ministry and Akita prefecture have collaborated to deploy soldiers to set traps, support local hunters, and assist in bear removal without resorting to firearms. The government is taking urgent steps to tackle the escalating bear issue.
The recent operation in Kazuno city involved soldiers setting up traps to capture bears that had been causing damage, such as devouring orchard produce. Local residents and officials are expressing growing concerns over the lack of manpower to handle the bear incursions effectively.
While the defense mission aims to safeguard people’s daily lives from bear threats, it is crucial to note that the primary role of service members is national defense, and their support for bear-related activities is limited due to existing resource constraints. The government is focusing on addressing the bear situation in Akita prefecture, where numerous bear incidents have occurred, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
The ongoing bear encounters in residential areas have had tragic consequences, with reports of fatal attacks on individuals engaged in various activities. The presence of bears in neighborhoods and farmlands poses a continuous risk, as these animals tend to return to places where they find food sources.
Experts attribute the rise in bear incidents to Japan’s aging rural population and the need for controlled culling to manage bear numbers effectively. There are discussions on training police and authorities as additional “government hunters” to assist in bear population control efforts.
In response to the escalating bear problem, the government has established a task force to develop a comprehensive strategy by mid-November. This strategy may include bear population surveys, enhanced communication for bear warnings, and revisions to hunting regulations to address the growing bear population in the country.
