🇯🇵 Japan to Hire Hunters as Bear Attacks Reach Record Levels
Tokyo, Japan — The Japanese government has announced plans to recruit licensed hunters to curb the growing number of bear attacks across the country. Officials say the move comes amid rising public concern as bears increasingly venture into residential areas.
Government’s Plan to Tackle the Bear Crisis
The Environment Ministry confirmed that funds will be allocated to hire trained hunters and wildlife control officers. The initiative aims to protect communities from bears that have been straying into towns and villages in search of food.
This proposal was among several measures discussed at a high-level government meeting held to address the nation’s escalating human-wildlife conflict.
Record Number of Fatal Bear Attacks
So far in 2025, at least 12 people have been killed in bear attacks — the highest figure since Japan began keeping official records in the early 2000s.