Japan Pledges Tougher Action after Record Bear Attack Deaths

Japan’s newly appointed Environment Minister, Hirotaka Ishihara, has vowed to implement stricter measures following a record number of fatal bear attacks this year, which have claimed nine lives — the highest on record.

The country has witnessed a growing number of bear encounters as the animals increasingly venture into human settlements. Experts attribute this to declining rural populations and ageing communities, leaving many towns with fewer people to manage wildlife intrusions.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Minister Ishihara described the situation as “a big problem, a serious problem.” He pledged to strengthen efforts by:

• Securing and training government hunters
• Implementing more effective bear population management
• Enhancing safety and response protocols in affected regions

Ishihara assumed office late Tuesday, following the formation of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s new cabinet.

Statistics at a Glance

The latest victim, a man in his 70s, was found dead on 10 October on a mountain in Iwate Prefecture, where he had been foraging for mushrooms. Just a week earlier, another Iwate resident was discovered dead near a hot spring resort where he worked.

On Wednesday, a bear attacked an elderly couple in their 80s outside their home in Fukushima Prefecture, inflicting facial and neck injuries, according to local media reports.

In recent months, bears have been spotted near schools, parks, and shopping areas, as well as attacking tourists and entering local shops, particularly in northern Japan.

The country is home to two bear species:

Although thousands of bears are culled annually, Japan faces a new challenge — its ageing hunter population. With fewer active hunters, authorities are finding it increasingly difficult to control bear numbers effectively, raising concerns about future human–wildlife conflicts.

Japan’s record death toll from bear attacks has reignited debate over wildlife management and rural safety, prompting urgent calls for stronger coordination between central and local authorities to prevent further tragedies.