TOKYO, Oct 16 (NNN-NHK) – Japan has confirmed seven deaths caused by bear attacks, so far this year, which started in April, the highest since records began in fiscal 2006, according to the Environment Ministry.
The bear-related death toll surpassed the previous record of six, logged in fiscal 2023, the ministry said today, with most attacks occurring in the north-eastern regions and the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido.
The seven include a man in the north-eastern prefecture of Iwate, whose body, which had been mauled by a bear, was found on Oct 8.
Meanwhile, an adult male bear was fatally shot yesterday, in a residential area of Sendai, in Miyagi Prefecture, marking the first time the revised law on wildlife protection and management was used, to authorise the “emergency shooting” of dangerous animals in populated areas.
There were 99 bear-related bodily harm incidents that involved 108 people, between Apr and Sept this year, marking the worst pace on record, the ministry said.
Ministry officials warned that, anticipated low yields of beech nuts in north-eastern regions could drive more bears into residential areas, urging people to stay alert.– NNN-NHK
