In 2025, bears killed 13 people in Japan due to a shortage of forest food sources. Consequently, Japanese authorities began culling the bear population; The Guardian reports that 14,000 bears have already been killed.
From June to August, bears venture close to Karuizawa to feed on mulberries, ants, and cherry blossoms. Since these foods are low in calories, the animals seek additional sustenance, often wandering into residential areas during the tourist season.
Last year, bears attacked more than 230 people in Japan, resulting in 13 deaths. Most incidents occurred in the northern prefectures of Akita and Iwate, driven by record heat that affected the supply of beechnuts and acorns—staple foods for the bears. Meanwhile, depopulation in rural areas led to bears straying into villages in search of food.
Bear attacks became a major news story. The government warned tourists about the risk of encounters, while insurance companies offered “bear insurance.” Farmers installed animatronic wolves to scare the animals away, and warning signs were posted on lampposts. One Japanese company even advertised bear-proof shelters. Authorities also began actively culling the bear population.
As a result, more than 14,000 bears were killed in Japan between April 2025 and January 2026. This figure included approximately 12,000 Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) and 2,000 brown bears (Ursus arctos). There is public concern that these government actions will lead to a decline in the populations of these rare bear species.
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