Asiatic black bears culled in Nara and Kanagawa prefectures

Authorities in Japan have culled Asiatic black bears in two separate incidents following sightings near residential areas and public parks.

In Uda City, Nara Prefecture, officials conducted an emergency cull on November 2 after a male bear, weighing approximately 36 kilograms, was caught in a trap intended for wild boar. The incident occurred near a residential area, and the decision to use firearms was made by the mayor to prevent the animal from escaping and causing damage. This follows a previous emergency cull in the same city on October 27 involving a mother and cub.

In Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture, a 92-kilogram male bear was culled on October 31. This specific individual had been captured on October 20 and released into the remote Tanzawa Mountains as part of a conservation effort to protect the local population, which is considered at risk of extinction. However, the bear returned to the vicinity of Kobozan Park, a popular hiking area, within three days. Due to the high risk to residents and the proximity to urban areas, officials decided to cull the animal after consulting with the prefecture.