Japan allows hunting of bears in cities in emergencies
In Tokyo, it is now permitted to kill bears that venture into the city. Due to climate change and desertification in some Japanese urban areas, an increasing number of bears are seeking refuge there.
On 21 February 2025, Japan approved a bill allowing the killing of bears in urban areas in emergencies, as the presence of these animals in Japanese cities continues to increase.
Across the country, 219 people were attacked by bears between April 2023 and March 2024, six of whom died — the highest number of fatalities since data collection began nearly two decades ago.
Climate change drives bears into cities
Climate change, which affects bears’ food sources and hibernation periods, as well as the desertification of urban areas driven by an ageing population, are causing bears to venture into cities with increasing frequency. The climate crisis is also exacerbating such human-wildlife conflicts worldwide.
Currently, shooting animals such as bears or wild boar in Japanese residential areas is prohibited. Hobby hunters must obtain permission from the police, who “can only issue such an order in extremely serious situations,” explained an official from the Ministry of the Environment.
Over 9’000 bears killed in one year
In December, a bear injured a man and raided a supermarket in northern Japan for two days before being lured outside with honey-coated food.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, more than 9’000 bears were killed in Japan, with the population estimated at approximately 50’000 animals. As studies show, hobby hunting fails as a means of population control. More on the animal welfare problem.
