Japan Faces Record Bear Attacks Amidst Environmental and Demographic Shifts

A Japanese airport was forced to shut down its runway on Thursday after a black bear was spotted roaming the area. The bear, estimated to be about four feet tall, was first seen near the runway early in the morning. This initial sighting caused delays for several flights.

The situation escalated when the bear reappeared later in the day, this time running on the runway. Airport staff attempted to chase the animal away, but the bear remained within the facility, leading to the complete closure of the runway. This resulted in multiple flight cancellations. Authorities brought in hunters to set a trap and police officers surrounded the airport to prevent the bear from escaping.

a record number of bear attacks. In the year leading up to April 2024, there were 219 attacks and six fatalities. A recent golf tournament was also cut short due to a bear sighting, underscoring the increasing frequency of these encounters.

Several factors contribute to this trend. Climate change is impacting food sources and hibernation patterns, while the shrinking and aging population in rural areas is creating more space for bears to expand their territory. Biologists suggest that the bear population may be growing, necessitating new strategies to protect both people and essential infrastructure.

In response to the rising number of bear encounters, the Japanese government approved a bill allowing hunters to shoot bears in populated areas. Previous incidents, such as a bear's rampage through a supermarket, have also demonstrated the need for effective management strategies.