Bear attacks sparking changes to autumn tourism operationsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Bear sightings and attacks
• Tourism safety measures
• Preventative tools (bear bells, bear spray)
• Reasons for increased bear activity
• Recommendations for tourists

Bear Sightings and Tourism Safety in Nikko

The popular tourist destination of Nikko, located in Tochigi Prefecture, approximately three hours north of Tokyo, is experiencing an unusual concern this autumn: increased bear sightings. This natural phenomenon is impacting tourism operations, which are scrambling to ensure visitor safety.

Impact on Tourism Operations:

• Cable Car Restrictions: The cable car operator in Nikko has stopped selling one-way tickets. This measure is a direct response to a bear sighting last month that led to the closure of a popular hiking trail. Previously, tourists could hike down the mountain after reaching the summit, but this option is now unavailable to prevent potential encounters. Visitors can only purchase round-trip tickets.
• Tourist Awareness: Many tourists are unaware of the bear presence. Some have seen signs in Japanese but did not understand their meaning. The increasing presence of bears in more urban areas, including train stations, is described as "scary and surprising."

Preventative Measures for Overseas Visitors:

• Government Advisories:
  • The British government is advising travelers to avoid walking in areas where bears have been sighted.
  • The Chinese embassy in Japan has posted on social media, urging travelers to steer clear of locations with bear warning signs.
• Personal Protective Equipment:
  • Bear Bells: These devices create noise to scare bears away and are experiencing a surge in demand.
  • Bear Spray: This spray contains capsaicin, the active chemical in chili peppers, and is used in case of a direct encounter. Bear spray is expensive, costing around $80 per unit.
• Rental Services: Due to the high cost and frequent sell-outs of bear spray, stores have started offering rental services at low prices. This is particularly beneficial for overseas visitors who cannot easily bring bear spray on planes. Reservations for rental spray are high this autumn.

Reasons for Increased Bear Sightings

According to Kishiota, an associate professor at Fukushima University, several factors contribute to the rise in bear sightings:

• Land Management: People are no longer managing farmlands that historically served as a buffer zone between villages and forests. This allows bears to encroach closer to human settlements.
• Food Scarcity: Acorns, a primary food source for bears, did not grow well this year, leading to increased foraging in new areas.

Recommendations for Tourists

While many bears will begin hibernating later in the month, some may still appear in towns, requiring tourists to remain vigilant. The following three main actions are recommended:

1. Check Local Government Websites: Before visiting, check the websites of local governments for information on bear activity in the area.
2. Make Noise: Alert bears to your presence by making sounds. This can be done by using bear bells, clapping hands, or speaking loudly.
3. Proper Trash Disposal: Human food is highly attractive to bears, described as being like "a drug." Unattended trash will draw bears.

Encountering a Bear

In the event of a bear encounter, the advice is to:

• Do Not Panic: Remain calm.
• Back Away Slowly: Walk backward slowly to leave the area.

Conclusion

The increased bear activity in popular tourist areas like Nikko presents a significant challenge for tourism operators and visitors. While authorities are implementing restrictions and advisories, tourists are also encouraged to take personal precautions, including using deterrents like bear bells and bear spray, and staying informed about local conditions. The underlying causes of increased bear sightings, such as changes in land management and food availability, suggest this may be a concern for some time.