Hokkaido Considers AI to Track Bear Population

Apr 17, 2025 | News On Japan

HOKKAIDO, Apr 17, 2025 (News On Japan) - Hokkaido authorities held a countermeasure meeting with related agencies to discuss efforts to prevent bear-related damage, including the use of artificial intelligence to monitor bear populations.

Around 20 participants, including representatives from the prefectural government, the police, and the Ministry of the Environment, gathered to review the fiscal year’s countermeasures based on the revised “Hokkaido Brown Bear Management Plan,” which was updated in December last year to help prevent human injuries.

The measures include a “zoning management” strategy to separate human and bear habitats and the introduction of AI technology to better grasp bear population numbers.

According to the prefectural government, bear-related human injuries occur almost every year, and with bear activity expected to rise in the coming season, officials are calling for increased vigilance.

Source: HTB Hokkaido News

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