In Japan, seven people have died since April due to bear attacks 0 20

In recent years, wild bears have been increasingly observed in Japan, including in residential areas. This is related to both the declining population and climate change.

In the 2023/24 financial year, five people have died as a result of bear attacks.

Since the beginning of the current financial year (April), there have been at least 108 reported cases of injuries, including fatalities.

This is more than the previous year, when there were 85 reported cases of injuries and three fatalities. In total, 219 cases of injuries have been recorded for the 2023/24 year.

Japan is home to two species of bears — the Asian black bear, also known as the "moon bear," and the larger brown bear found on the island of Hokkaido.

Each year, thousands of these animals are culled in the country.