Bears entered areas near human dwellings despite being adequately nourished, even during years when acorns were scarce in their natural habitats, likely attracted by fruit trees left on abandoned farmland, a recent study in western Japan showed.
The findings suggest that measures such as removing "attractants" like fallen persimmons and chestnuts and blocking bears' entry routes into settlements are essential.
The study examined 651 Asian black bears, one of the two species of bears in the country, that were killed as threats to human neighborhoods or in traffic accidents in Shimane between 2003 and 2018. The team said it is unclear whether the findings can be applied to other areas with different environments.
by SkyInJapan