TOKYO: Japan is grappling with an alarming surge in bear attacks, with an increased number of incidents reported in the fiscal year 2023, local media reported on Sunday.
Between April and September, a total of 109 people were injured, and tragically, two lives were lost in these encounters, mostly concentrated in the northern part of Japan’s main island, Honshu. This data, released by the environment ministry in early October, represents the highest number of bear attacks for the same period since such monthly statistics became available in fiscal 2007.
Bear Attacks in Japan
The attacks have been widespread, occurring in 15 out of Japan’s 47 regions over the past six months, with approximately 70 percent of cases reported in northeastern Japan. Akita region recorded the highest number of victims, with 28 people injured, followed closely by Iwate and Fukushima with 27 and 13 victims, respectively, according to Kyodo News.
One contributing factor to this alarming trend is believed to be the scarcity of nuts this year, an essential food source for bears. The scarcity has forced bears, including Asian black bears and Ussuri brown bears, to venture into wider areas, including those near human habitats, in search of sustenance as they prepare for hibernation.
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The situation has raised concerns among local authorities and communities, prompting increased vigilance and precautionary measures to ensure the safety of residents. The current record for the highest number of people wounded by bear attacks stands at 158, recorded in fiscal year 2020.
