Record 7 killed by bear attacks in Japan so far in fiscal 2025

TOKYO, Oct. 16 : Japan has confirmed seven deaths caused by bear attacks so far in fiscal 2025, which started in April, the highest since records began in fiscal 2006, according to the Environment Ministry.

  The bear-related death toll surpassed the previous record of six logged in fiscal 2023, the ministry said Wednesday, with most attacks occurring in northeastern regions and the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido.

  The seven include a man in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate whose body, which had been mauled by a bear, was found on Oct. 8.

   Meanwhile, an adult male bear was fatally shot on Wednesday in a residential area of Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, marking the first time the revised law on wildlife protection and management was used to authorize the "emergency shooting" of dangerous animals in populated areas.

   There were 99 bear-related bodily harm incidents that involved 108 people between April and September this year, marking the worst pace on record, the ministry said.

   Ministry officials warned that anticipated low yields of beech nuts in northeastern regions could drive more bears into residential areas, urging people to stay alert.    (Xinhua)