Japan Bears Kill 13: Is Culling the Answer?

Japan experienced its deadliest year on record in the previous year, with bears causing 13 fatalities and over 230 injuries. This surge in conflict is attributed to a scarcity of natural food sources like nuts, which forced bears closer to human settlements. The government responded by relaxing hunting rules and culled more than 14,000 bears, including Asiatic black bears and brown bears, between April 2025 and January 2026.

This extensive culling has sparked significant concern among conservationists. The Asiatic black bear is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, with fewer than 60,000 remaining globally. Experts warn that the current level of culling could lead to regional extinctions in Japan, a critical habitat for the species. Despite these measures, bear attacks continue, with six people killed and over 35 attacked since April.

While Japan's bear population is estimated at 42,000, exact figures are uncertain, and a new nationwide survey is underway. Some scientists suggest that certain populations might be growing, while globally, the Asiatic black bear's range has significantly contracted. Conservation groups advocate for non-lethal coexistence strategies, learning from international examples that emphasize managing human-bear interactions over solely reducing bear numbers. Japan's environment ministry plans to implement new measures including fences and trained officers by November 2025.