Japan's Environment Ministry said earlier this week it will begin a survey of bear populations in the Tohoku region and surrounding areas from June, installing around 800 cameras in mountainous areas. The move comes after an increase in bear attacks on humans.
According to the announcement, the survey aims to collect data on the density and distribution of brown bears and Asian black bears in the area, with the goal of developing effective control and prevention measures. Cameras will be placed at strategic points in forests to record images and movement patterns of the bears.
Bear attacks in Japan have risen significantly in recent years, particularly in rural northern areas. The cause is believed to be a scarcity of natural food sources, forcing bears to venture closer to residential areas in search of food. Last year, Japan recorded a record high number of bear attacks, raising concerns about community safety.
The Environment Ministry hopes the data from this survey will help formulate concrete action plans, including managing buffer zones between urban areas and forests, and raising public awareness about measures to avoid encounters with bears.
