After record bear attacks in Japan, life in Akita isn't the sameーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Bear Attacks in Japan: Rising incidents, particularly in Akita Prefecture.
• Akita Prefecture: The region most affected by bear attacks, experiencing the highest number of casualties.
• Environment Ministry Data: 197 people injured or killed nationwide from April to October this year across 21 prefectures.
• Akita International University: Implementing special precautions due to bear sightings.
• Bear Deterrent Measures: Posters, firecrackers, bear spray, disabling automatic doors, email alerts.
• Student Adaptations: Walking in groups, using bear bells, increased awareness.
• Impact on Tourism: Empty streets, hotels reporting revenue drops (over 70% in one survey).
• Impact on Local Businesses: Soy sauce and miso producer experiencing over 20% sales drop.
• Bear Hibernation Patterns: Some bears, especially cubs separated from mothers, may remain active due to lack of hibernation knowledge or reliance on urban food sources.
• Continued Threat: Bear activity expected to persist until January.
• Safety Recommendations: Checking for paw prints, carrying bear bells or radios for noise.

Bear Attacks on the Rise in Japan, Akita Prefecture Most Affected

Bear attacks are increasing across Japan, with Akita Prefecture bearing the brunt of the incidents. The Environment Ministry reported that from April to October of the current year, 197 people were injured or killed by bears nationwide. These attacks occurred in 21 prefectures, but Akita recorded the highest number with 56 cases.

Akita International University's Response to Bear Sightings

Akita International University, situated in a nature-rich environment, is experiencing its worst year for bear activity. The university has implemented several special precautions to ensure student safety. These include:

• Warning Posters: Displayed across campus to alert students to be on high alert, with one poster noting a bear sighting last month.
• Firecrackers: Used more frequently to scare off bears.
• Bear Spray: Cans of bear spray have been placed around the school.
• Automatic Doors: Disabled on campus buildings to prevent bears from entering. Doors now require an ID card to open.
• Email Alerts: When a bear is sighted, an email is sent to all students, advising them to stay indoors.

Students are adapting to these changes. International students, unfamiliar with bear threats, are particularly affected. One student from Germany noted the absence of bears in her home country and now walks with friends and uses a bear bell. Another student reported seeing a bear three days prior and hears the firecrackers, hoping they deter the animals. The university is also distributing free bear bells to students, especially those from countries where bears are not a concern.

Economic Impact on Akita Prefecture

The increased bear activity is significantly impacting Akita Prefecture, a region known for its hot springs and autumn foliage, which typically attracts many tourists. This year, the streets are noticeably emptier. A survey by a local tourism association revealed that over 70% of hotels reported a drop in revenue this season, with frequent bear sightings cited as the primary reason.

Local businesses are also suffering. A company producing soy sauce and miso, which supplies souvenir shops and supermarkets, has seen its sales drop by over 20% compared to the previous week. The president of this company, who also chairs the tourism association, described the situation as unprecedented, noting that a 20% sales decline during the peak autumn foliage season is extremely serious.

Understanding Persistent Bear Activity

Associate Professor Moizuki Shota from Fukushima University explained that while many bears have begun hibernating, a certain number remain active. This is partly due to cubs that have been separated from their mothers and lack the knowledge to hibernate. These orphaned cubs may wander into towns, especially if their mothers were killed, leaving them without guidance.

Normally, such cubs would struggle to survive winter due to a lack of food. However, if they learn to find food in urban areas, they may survive by adapting to this method. This means the threat of bear activity could persist for people until January.

Safety Recommendations for the Public

To mitigate risks, Moizuki Shota advises the public to:

• Check for Paw Prints: Look for paw prints on snow or the ground when going outside.
• Make Noise: Carry a bear bell or a radio to create noise, alerting bears to human presence.

The report concludes with NHK World's Moritani in Akita, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the region due to increased bear activity.