Japan's government has created emergency measures to address record numbers bear attacks. The Ministry Environment reported that 13 people have been killed, and more than 100 have been injured bears April. The death toll is the highest since records began 2006. Wildlife management experts have devised a plan to reduce the increasing numbers fatalities, injuries, and encounters with bears. Part this plan is to reduce bear populations areas where the animals have been sighted. Another feature is the establishment region-specific capture targets. Authorities will also set a buffer zone many areas to try to separate bear habitats human residential areas.
There are two species of bear Japan and their numbers have surged the past decade. Estimates suggest the Asian black bear population has roughly tripled since 2012 — rising about 15,000 to 44,000. The larger and more dangerous Ussuri brown bears, native to the northern island Hokkaido, have doubled number. There are several reasons the growth in bear populations. One is the shortage beech nuts, which scientists attribute to climate change. Another reason is a declining number licensed hunters, who were largely responsible bear culls. Finally, a depopulation rural areas means bears are venturing towns and villages.
