Overview

• On July 18, authorities culled a male brown bear in the Tsukizaki district after multiple sightings and reports of garbage raids.
• DNA analysis determined the 2-meter, 218-kilogram bear was behind the July 12 fatal attack on a deliveryman and a 2021 killing of a woman.
• Hokkaido officials downgraded the town-wide bear warning to a caution level on July 19 once the culled bear’s identity was confirmed.
• Fukushima Town has started erecting a 1.5-kilometer electric fence around high-risk residential areas to prevent future wildlife incursions.
• Residents say they feel relieved by the measures but continue to follow strict waste-management rules and support ongoing patrols.