Since April, attacks by Asian black bears and brown bears have multiplied exponentially, leaving more than 100 people injured and at least 10 dead, according to local media. The main cause of the increase in attacks would be the scarcity of acorns and natural food in the forests, which has caused the animals to come closer to urban areas in search of food.
In several northern prefectures, bears have been seen roaming streets, gardens, and schools, causing panic among residents. Given the seriousness of the crisis, the Japan Self-Defense Forces have been mobilized to support local authorities in the search, control, and capture of the animals, as well as to assist in prevention and community security tasks.
The increase in bear attacks in Japan has become a national problem, posing challenges to coexistence between humans and wildlife in a context of climate change and deforestation.