Japan braces for bear 'danger season' after record fatalities

Japan is entering its danger season, when bear activity intensifies from October. Last year, over half of the fatalities from bear attacks occurred during this period. Some hope sightings will decline from last year's record, while others fear a return of bears. Local governments are implementing preventive measures despite differing opinions.

In early spring, unusual bear sightings were reported. On September 17, a persimmon tree in Kasshi district of Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, had claw marks, prompting a field training session on bear avoidance. About 30 residents participated, walking along school routes and other areas explained by Akari Hamaguchi, a board member of a research association.

Last autumn, bears appeared in populated areas daily, resulting in seven deaths nationwide and 15,998 reported sightings, making up more than 30% of the fiscal year's total. This year, bears have been seen in urban areas since early spring, with incidents in central areas of Aoba Ward in Sendai and Utsunomiya.

Preventive measures include clearing brush and installing AI cameras in Yamagata Prefecture to discourage bears from moving into urban areas. The prefecture plans to clear brush at about 50 locations by early October, and Sendai will install 50 AI cameras along rivers where bears enter urban areas.

Many local government officials hope fewer bears will appear around inhabited areas this autumn compared to last year. However, Shota Mochizuki, an associate professor of wildlife management, predicts abundant beech nuts this autumn could still drive bears into populated areas. He advises people to take precautions, such as carrying bear bells.