The government will survey bear habitats in Niigata and the Tohoku region. The effort seeks to improve understanding of bear behavior over wide areas where the animals often cross prefectural borders.
The Environment Ministry will lead the surveys to gain detailed insight into bear ecology.
Because bears move across multiple prefectures, localized approaches have proved insufficient.
The findings are expected to inform future management measures.
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Bear encounters are increasing across Japan, prompting manufacturers to develop new deterrents and officials to highlight safety concerns in a recent white paper.
Japan has started installing hundreds of cameras in its northern mountains to survey bear populations after a surge in attacks that have killed at least five people since April 1.
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Following record bear sightings in 2025 and unusual winter activity, Japan's Tohoku municipalities are issuing spring warnings as bears emerge from hibernation, urging residents not to leave food or garbage outside.
Four climbers were rescued by helicopter from a mountain in Hokkaido after being stranded for about three and a half hours due to an encounter with a brown bear. No one was injured.
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The government will shift its focus to an overall assessment that places an emphasis on basic functions to protect lives and livelihoods, under annual guidelines due next month.