Overview
- The national government on November 14 finalized a countermeasure package aimed at removing bears from human living areas to prevent casualties.
- Measures include nationwide adoption of spring capture practices pioneered in Hokkaido and the creation of buffer zones between forests and settlements.
- Officials acknowledge that methods for a government-led bear population survey remain undecided and will require further examination.
- Operational responsibility for culling is unresolved, with discussion of roles for hunters and possible police involvement as some experts say officers would need months of training.
- The package includes steps such as higher rewards for hunters, while analysts caution it is an emergency response with uncertain effectiveness without stronger monitoring and environmental measures.