TOKYO - Tokyo is preparing to allow hunting of Asian black bears for the first time in about 20 years, with a proposed hunting season from November through February and an annual capture target of around 34 animals in parts of the Tama region, including Hachioji.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government estimates that an average of about 235 Asian black bears are currently living within the capital.
At a meeting of experts held on August 18, officials presented a draft plan for hunting to resume from fiscal 2027. Under the proposal, the hunting season would run from November to February, with about 34 bears set as the annual capture benchmark, a level intended to maintain the current population.
The designated management area is expected to include parts of the Tama region, such as Hachioji, as well as riverbanks that could serve as routes for bears entering urban areas.
The metropolitan government will next seek public comments before formally referring the plan to an advisory council for deliberation and a final decision.
The habitat of Asian black bears in Tokyo has been expanding eastward year by year and now covers nearly all forested areas in the western part of the capital.
Bear sightings have also increased, while a growing proportion of encounters are occurring near areas where people live. Tokyo is developing a wildlife management plan with the goal of reducing bear-related injuries and fatalities to zero.
Source: FNN
