Japan's Bear Cull Turns Tragic
The article highlights that the return of bears to Japanese forests, driven by improved environmental conditions and a decline in agricultural activity, has led to a significant increase in their populations—from approximately 15,000 bears in 2012 to over 40,000 currently. As natural food sources diminish due to climate change and decreased fruit production, some bears are moving into residential areas, resulting in an escalation of attacks on humans, with 230 attacks reported last year alone, causing 13 deaths. This has prompted widespread hunting campaigns, which have resulted in the killing of around 14,000 bears between April 2025 and January 2026. Environmental protection experts warn that such intense culling could lead to the extinction of the regions home to large numbers of bears. Advocates are calling for alternatives, such as relocating bears or deterring them from populated areas, rather than resorting to killing.
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