Japan has recorded a steep increase in bear-related victims, with as many as 196 people reportedly affected between April and October, marking a new worrisome record. The incidents, occurring mostly in rural and mountainous areas, have caused growing concern among residents and authorities alike. Efforts are now being spent on understanding and mitigating the factors behind this spike, primarily linked to changes in the bears' habitats caused by human activities and climate alterations.
In Japan, coexisting with nature while ensuring public safety is a key social value. Such a significant number of bear incidents is worrisome, causing officials to revisit and revise measures to prevent further harm. While controlling bear populations is one approach, much focus lies on reducing human-bear conflicts through better education and awareness.
In contrast, both the US and EU have robust bear presence, but the management of human-bear interaction varies. In the US, parks and wildlife services emphasize personal precautions individuals can take when in bear country. In the EU, similar initiatives, as well as region-specific action plans, are in place to ensure bear conservation while minimizing human-wildlife conflicts.