Authorities in Hachioji, a suburb of Tokyo, have approved an emergency budget to purchase 700 bear deterrent spray kits to distribute to schools and community organizations. This follows a worsening crisis of wild bears encroaching on urban neighborhoods in Japan, with a record 13 fatalities caused by bear attacks last year.
A Hachioji city spokesperson disclosed that the city approved an emergency budget plan of 15 million yen (about 3 million baht) to buy protective gear and bear repellent devices. These include 700 bear pepper spray cans, portable electric fences, and high-frequency sound signal devices, which will be distributed to elementary and secondary schools as well as volunteer groups and community organizations in the area.
Hachioji is located on Tokyo's western suburban fringe, surrounded by mountains and forests, making it popular for city residents who go hiking and mountain climbing on weekends. Since April, there have been 11 reported sightings or signs of bears in the area. NHK television aired CCTV footage showing a large black bear prowling near residential homes on 29 April.
Data from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment indicates that in the last fiscal year, the country recorded 13 fatalities from bear attacks—the highest on record. The situation shows no signs of easing, with an additional 5 deaths and over 20 injuries reported between 1 April and 30 May this year.
Additionally, nationwide reports of bear sightings have exceeded 50,000 incidents, more than double the previous record set two years ago. This surge is especially notable in recent months as bears have emerged from hibernation and increasingly entered urban areas in search of food due to natural food shortages in the wild.
Earlier this month, the bear incursion crisis forced all schools in Utsunomiya city, north of Tokyo, to abruptly close after a wild bear wandered through the city. The bear evaded police and hunters for four days before being captured. Previously, a "smart" bear capable of opening windows and door knobs attacked four workers at two factories in Fukushima Prefecture.
Ryousuke Sato, a local government spokesperson in Hachioji, added that the city is urgently drafting an emergency response manual with police and local hunter associations. The plan outlines procedures for promptly containing and capturing bears that enter residential streets.
Meanwhile, Japan’s central and regional governments have begun proactive measures, clearing dense shrubbery along riverbanks and border areas between urban communities and mountain forests. This aims to eliminate bear hiding spots and block their access routes into residential zones.
/sourceAFP