Japan's black bear population surveyed in Shikoku as urban encounters rise nationwide

A forestry survey by the Forestry Agency of Japan confirmed the presence of at least 25 Tsukinowaguma (Japanese black bear) individuals in Shikoku, primarily around the Mount Kensei range in Tokushima Prefecture. The survey, conducted with sensor cameras at 25 locations, identified nine bears in Kagawa, two mother‑and‑cub pairs born in 2025, and several previously undocumented individuals. Authorities aim to map the outer edge of the bears' habitat to reduce human‑bear friction and promote coexistence.

Separately, a bear was captured in Utsunomiya City on June 9, prompting school closures and highlighting growing instances of urban bear incursions across Japan. Wildlife experts warn that declining hunter numbers, an aging rural population, and habitat changes are increasing the likelihood of bears entering towns. They predict the issue will persist for the next decade and call for broader agricultural protection and development of a game‑meat industry to offset rising mitigation costs.