Coexistence with bears: Raising awareness
According to the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, by the end of July 2023, there were 56 fatal accidents caused by bears, the highest number in the same period since 2010. In years when the number of bear infestations is high, human casualties tend to increase, especially in October, and this year, the Tohoku region is expected to have a poor harvest of acorns, which are eaten by bears before they hibernate, so caution is being urged. As part of the Wildlife College 2023 curriculum, JWCS held fieldwork in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture on August 5th and 6th to learn about damage prevention and conservation caused by Asiatic black bears. […]