Japan culls 14,000 bears as human attacks surge to record levels

Japan's authorities have intensified a controversial bear culling programme as incidents of human-wildlife conflict reach record levels. More than 14,000 bears have been killed in response to the crisis, with an additional 8,800 targeted for removal. Despite these large-scale elimination efforts, at least six people have lost their lives in bear attacks this year, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Environmental experts attribute the surge in bear attacks to a combination of factors, including extreme heat waves and a significant decline in natural food sources in forested regions. As bears struggle to find adequate nutrition in their natural habitats, they are increasingly venturing into human settlements and agricultural areas in search of food, creating dangerous encounters with residents and farmers.

The Japanese government's culling strategy aims to reduce bear populations and minimise future attacks. However, conservationists have raised serious concerns about this approach, arguing that mass culling of already endangered bear species may prove ineffective as a long-term solution and could further destabilise ecosystems.

Experts suggest that addressing the root causes—including habitat preservation, improved food availability in forests, and better waste management in human settlements—may prove more sustainable than widespread elimination programmes. Environmental groups are calling for a more balanced approach that considers both human safety and wildlife conservation.