Bears have attacked over 100 people in Japan since March
a day ago
- #public safety
- #wildlife
- #climate change
- Japan is experiencing an unprecedented increase in bear attacks, with seven fatalities since March—the highest on record since 2006.
- Climate change is reducing acorn availability, forcing bears to venture closer to human settlements for food.
- Warmer weather is disrupting bears' hibernation patterns, increasing encounters with humans.
- Recent incidents include a fatal attack on a mushroom picker and a bear entering a supermarket near Tokyo, injuring two people.
- Over 100 people have been injured by bears in the past year, with older residents particularly vulnerable.
- Japan's declining hunter population and aging demographics exacerbate the issue.
- Japan has two native bear species: the Asian black bear and the larger, more dangerous brown bear.
- Safety tips from Japan's Ministry of the Environment advise curling up and protecting the head and neck if attacked by a bear.