Japan's Environment Ministry releases revised wildlife protection guidelines for dangerous bears and boars

On June 9, the Japanese Ministry of the Environment published a draft revision of the basic guidelines for the protection and management of birds and wildlife. The draft, which will be open for public comment until July 8, implements measures agreed in a November 2025 inter‑ministerial meeting that introduced a bear‑damage countermeasure package.

The new sections focus on two issues: preventing dangerous wildlife – specifically bears and wild boars – from entering areas of daily human activity, and strengthening management actions such as systematic capture, habitat control, damage‑prevention measures and preparations for emergency rifle shooting. The aim is to reduce injuries and property damage caused by these animals.

The ministry invites regional authorities to incorporate these provisions into their wildlife management plans, including information dissemination and safety protocols.