Sharp rise in bear sightings prompts Japan's police to loosen firarm rules
發佈日期: 2025-11-07 22:49
TVB News
Japan is witnessing a sharp rise in bear encounters, prompting police to loosen firearm rules, allowing officers to use rifles to shoot bears that threaten human safety, starting Thursday.
A recent bear sighting was in the early morning in Yamagata Prefecture.
The bear broke into a local hot spring inn.
Three people there later escaped unharmed but police believe the bear is still staying nearby.
In Miyagi Prefecture the same morning another bear was spotted near a university campus, forcing the cancellation of afternoon classes.
Since April, 13 people were killed in bear attacks.
Experts have said warmer weather and poor harvests of wild fruits have driven bears out of their natural habitats, pushing them closer to town in search of food.
The Chinese Embassy in Japan has urged Chinese nationals in Japan to stay alert and check wildlife warnings before travelling.
