Japanese Black Bear
Overview
The Japanese black bears inhabiting Wakayama Prefecture constitute a belong to the Kii Peninsula regional population group, which is isolated from other areas, and considered to be small.
Therefore, hunting has been prohibited since 1994. In the Ministry of the Environment’s “Red List 2020,” they are listed as a regional population at risk of extinction. Additionally, in the “Wakayama Prefecture Red Data Book (Revised 2022),” they are categorized as Endangered Class II.
Approximate Distribution of bears in the Kii Peninsula
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If you sight a bear or find tracks or other signs of bears within Wakayama Prefecture, please report the following information to the nearest municipal office : We appreciate your cooperation. |
Precautions to Protect Yourself from Bears
In early summer, bears enter their breeding season, and during this period cubs begin to separate from their mothers. As a result, bears may exhibit increased activity.
In autumn, bears actively search for food such as acorns in preparation for hibernation.
When hiking or gathering mountain vegetables or mushrooms, please observe the precautions below to protect yourself from bears.
To Avoid Encountering Bears in the Mountains
- When entering forests where bears may inhabit, make sure to alert them to your presence.
Bears are cautious by nature and do not approach people without reason.
Use a bear bell or portable radio to make noise while walking.
- If you find bear droppings, footprints, or other signs, do not proceed further. Turn back or take other appropriate avoidance measures.
- When gathering mountain vegetables or mushrooms, you may become focused on collecting and fail to notice signs of bears.
Check your surroundings regularly, and avoid entering dense bamboo thickets or areas with poor visibility. Also, act in pairs or groups whenever possible. - Be particularly careful in bad weather or at dusk when visibility is low.
In areas near rivers or streams, the sound of flowing water can make it difficult to notice an approaching bear.
To Avoid Attracting Bears
When fishing or camping, take care where you pace food and be sure to take all garbage home.
Leaving items that may serve as food for bears can attract them and pose a danger. Once a bear finds and eats food eft by people, it may regard it as its own and behave aggressively if people approach.
If You Encounter a Bear
- If you see a bear, leave the area quietly.
Do not panic or run. Stay calm, face the bear, and slowly back away without turning your back, while keeping it in sight. Sudden movements or loud noises may provoke the bear and increase the risk of an attack. - Be especially cautious if you encounter a mother bear with cubs.
If you spot a cub, leave immediately and quietly, as the mother is always nearby, highly protective of her young and can be very dangerous.
To Prevent Bear Appearances Near Human Dwellings
- Properly manage kitchen waste and unwanted agricultural products, and do not leave them outdoors.
Do not leave food waste or anything that may attract bears near houses.
Harvest fruits such as persimmons and chestnuts in your yard, and do not leave them uncollected. - Install protective facilities such as electric fences around orchards and beekeeping sites.
- Mow bushes or tall grass around houses where bears could hide to improve visibility.