SAPPORO - As bear sightings in Hokkaido’s urban areas surge beyond expectations, Tamaki Yasuo, head of the brown bear control unit of the Hokkaido Hunters’ Association’s Sapporo branch, warns that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to manage and that humans cannot predict what might trigger a bear to panic.
With acorns, wild grapes, and other key food sources scarce this year, bears have been drawn to residential areas where chestnuts and walnuts remain, leading to persistent sightings in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward. On September 26, a man was attacked in Heiwa Hill Park, and on October 8 and 9, bears were again spotted lingering and feeding in residential districts.
Tamaki notes that while the bears involved now appear more composed than the one that attacked four people in 2021, their unpredictable behavior still poses serious risks, especially since firing weapons in populated areas is extremely sensitive. He stresses the need to consider population control as part of a long-term solution and urges residents to avoid risky activities such as hiking or walking at dawn or night while bear alerts remain in effect. If confronted by a bear, experts recommend remaining calm, retreating slowly if distant, or raising arms and speaking gently to signal human presence if closer, while seeking substantial cover. However, Tamaki emphasizes that the best strategy is to maintain a safe distance and avoid encounters altogether.
Source: 北海道ニュースUHB
