TOKYO, Jul 29 (News On Japan) - In response to a surge in bear sightings across Japan, it has been revealed that sightings in Tokyo have exceeded 200 incidents. Consequently, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department conducted a 'bear repellent training' session.
The Ome Police Station, which oversees mountainous areas including Okutama, carried out the training in collaboration with Koji Yamazaki, a professor at Tokyo University of Agriculture who studies bear behavior. The exercise involved using repellent spray in simulated encounters with bears.
According to Professor Yamazaki, the spray is effective when sprayed from an appropriate distance at the bear’s face level.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Environment Bureau reported that from April 2023, there have been 211 bear sightings over the past year, an increase of 17 incidents from the previous year.
Professor Yamazaki emphasized, 'Bear spray is a last resort. The most important thing is to investigate bear presence and avoid encounters.'
Source: ANN
