Travel

Watch out for bears: Japan issues safety warning to those visiting mountains

Oct 04 (straitstimes.com) - Japan has issued a safety warning to people visiting its mountains during autumn, telling them to watch out for bears.

During this season, bears typically eat a lot of acorns – nuts that grow on oak trees – as they prepare for winter hibernation.

But the nuts are in short supply in 2023, an Environment Ministry official said. This means hungry bears may emerge from their habitats and look for food elsewhere, including in human settlements.

So bear sightings may become more common, the authorities said.

An official in charge of wildlife management advised visitors to the mountains not to scream or run when they encounter a bear.

“Move slowly backwards without taking your eyes off the animal,” the official said.

Visitors are also advised to turn back from the path they are on if they come across bear paw marks or excrement. ...continue reading

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